South Africa (5)

Eden Lodge Sauvignon Blanc (75 cl), €17.29

Located 250km north of Capetown this wine region represents the Cape's highest and most westerly vineyards. Orange groves line the riverbank alongside fields of Rooibos tea bushes. The red sand and alluvial soil along with cooling Atlantic breezes provide excellent growing conditions for the Sauvignon Blanc grape. With the assistance of modern technology in state of the art wineries, the Olifants River Valley is now emerging as a very good Sauvignon Blanc producing region of South Africa. The Eden Lodge Sauvignon Blanc is a lively, crisp, fruit driven wine with crunchy apple, guava, herbaceous hints and a flavoursome finish. Enjoy on its own or with chicken, fish or goats cheese dishes.

Willow Hill Chardonnay (75 cl), €17.29

The Chardonnay grapes are harvested early in the morning while they are still cool. This Chardonnay is in its purest form, unoaked and allowed to express itself as the classic grape it is. The result is a full-bodied wine with aromas of rich tropical fruit. The palate is lively and round with fresh apple, citrus and pear flavours in abundance, giving a crisp medium dry finish. Great all around wine, superb on its own or perfect with creamy pasta dishes. Serve well chilled as an aperitif. Enjoy.

Neil Joubert Estate Chardonnay (75 cl), €10.00

Tasting Notes: This wine is citrus-forward with undertones of biscotti and nuts. On the palate the acidity is surprisingly racy, but a subtle sweetness prevents it from being overpowering. The flavors are primarily fruity with hints of sweet oak flavors. A layered wine with a crisp finish. 15% Matured in New French Oak barrels for 6 months.

Neil Joubert Estate Wine Sauvignon Blanc (75 cl), €10.00

Winemaking The grapes were harvested in three tiers, each at different sugar levels to add complexity to the final blend. The juice was cold fermented in stainless steel tanks, with no oak contact. Cold- stabilized, fined and filtered prior to bottling. Tasting Notes Bursting with exotic aromas of white peach, passion fruit, yellow citrus, orange blossoms and green pepper. The palate shows lovely fruit concentration, with a delicate texture and a lifting acidity. Pure, focused, elegant and fresh, with lingering notes of guava and citrus fruits on the lengthy, dry finish.

Niel Joubert Reserve Chenin Blanc (75 cl), €12.00

Winemaking After de-stalking and crushing, the juice was allowed to settle and then transferred to new 400L French oak barrels for primary- and malolactic fermentation. The wine was left in barrel on the fine lees for 16 months (with regular batonage to enhance the mouthfeel) after which it was racked and returned to barrel for a further 12 months barrel ageing. Tasting Notes Expressive aromas of yellow apple, quince, kumquat, dried pineapple, and a touch of oak spice. The palate has an excellent balance of fruit and oak, with bright acidity adding freshness and backbone. The wine has a creamy, rounded mouthfeel and a satisfying finish with yellow citrus and stone fruit flavours. A complex, food-friendly wine that will facilitate further bottle ageing for 5-6 years from vintage.