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JOHN PLATTER SOUTH AFRICAN WINE GUIDE 2007
RADFORD DALE
Radford Dale Merlot 2005 ****
With Old World leanings, 2005 has lovely wild herb, violet, white
pepper nuances, subtle, silky elegance. Merlot for Grown –ups.
Radford Dale Shiraz 2005 ****
Sashays back to the New World after rhône-toned 2004. Latest
has plenty of ripe dark fruit, an array of oak spices & smoky
liquorice tones.
Radford Dale Shiraz-Viognier 2005 ****
Co-fermented, which accounts for complete integration, harmony of
2005 wine. Brambleberries, white pepper, earthy notes, with a hovering
fragrant lift from viognier.
Radford Dale Chardonnay 2005 ****x (4 ½ Stars)
Meticulous vineyard selection & cellar care shows in sleek thoroughbred
lines. Quiet Burgundian in its restraint, minerality, deep-seated
peach & citrus flavouring.
Radford Dale Viognier 2006 ****
Always the unexpected from this team. 2006 has more lavender, candied
violet shadings than normal peach aromatics of variety. Ripe but
not overblown, it offers exotic drinkability.
BLACK ROCK
Black Rock Red Blend 2005 ****x (4 ½ Stars)
Southern Rhône inspired exotic blend, individual & compelling.
2005 has different moods (and) aspects: lavender, scrub, blueberry;
a salty liquorice and prosciutto explosion of flavour.
Black Rock White Blend 2005****
Distinctive assemblage dominated by 4o yr old+ bushvine Chenin.
Beautifully integrated and fragrant 2005 shows deeply rich citrus,
tropical fruit, yet a persistent minerality that refreshes..
VINUM
Vinum Chenin Blanc 2006 ****
Showing expected class and concentration: tropical fruit, some citrus;
curvaceous body & variety’s appetising acidic bite.
Vinum Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 ****
Sleek & polished: cassis, dark chocolate, vanilla spicing &
a satin textured accessibility, despite the underlying structure.
THE WINERY OF GOOD HOPE
Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot 2006 ***
Unashamedly fruit-driven’ has perfectly ripe red berries,
juicy structure, soft tannins. Lovely drinkability.
Pinotage 2006 ***
Ripe dark fruit at the core with a savoury shading from oak. Tannins
still integrating.
Pinot Noir***x (3 ½ Stars)
Elegant structure, piquant red berries, underbrush, hints of other
nuances to come.
Chardonnay 2006 ***
Is that rare creature, unoaked with character: peach/tropical tones,
rounded fresh-fruity mouthfeel.
Chenin Blanc 2006***
Shows crunchy apple/pear in a light food friendly format