Wine Spectator Insider - Most Exciting New Wines, 1 February
A first look at our editors` most exciting new wines
Vol. 8, No. 5 | Feb. 1, 2012
SOUTH AFRICA
Buitenverwachting
Chardonnay Constantia 2010
92 points | $20 | 100 cases imported | White
Mouthfilling, with ripe fig, creamed melon and pear flavors offset by lively ginger, honeysuckle and chamomile notes. The long, stone-tinged finish harnesses everything. A big step up for this wine. Drink now through 2016.-J.M.
Mullineux
Straw Wine Swartland 2010
92 points | $37/375ml | 30 cases imported | Dessert
This is gorgeous, with date, persimmon, guava and lychee flavors all framed by a dried orange peel note. Unctuous and fleshy on the finish, but with a mouthwatering edge. Chenin Blanc. Drink now through 2015.
-J.M.
Vins d`Orrance
Chardonnay Western Cape Cuvée Anaïs 2010
92 points | $33 | 665 cases made | White
This shows alluring butter and creamed pear aromas and flavors, but stays racy, with honeysuckle, quinine and green fig notes rippling throughout, followed by a very stylish finish. Impressive and distinctive. Should age nicely. Drink now through 2015.-J.M.
Ataraxia Mountain
Chardonnay Western Cape 2010
91 points | $39 | 500 cases imported | White
Very enticing, with delicious Jonagold apple, melon and quince flavors laced with subtle toasted brioche and verbena hints. The long, creamy finish has good buried acidity and an alluring matchstick hint. Drink now through 2014.-J.M.
Cape Point Vineyards
Chardonnay Cape Point 2010
91 points | $30 | 50 cases imported | White
A long, filigreed Chardonnay, with rapierlike cut to the Jonagold apple, heather and mineral notes, all framed by melon rind and honeysuckle on the finish. Drink now through 2015.-J.M.
Cape Point Vineyards
Sauvignon Blanc Cape Point 2010
91 points | $25 | 200 cases imported | White
Steely and pure, with a very chiseled feel to the lemon zest, grapefruit pulp, straw, gooseberry and fleur de sel notes. The long, rapierlike finish has great cut. Drink now through 2014.-J.M.
Paul Cluver
Chardonnay Elgin 2009
91 points | $20 | 1,000 cases imported | White
Shows mature hints of creamed pear and brioche, but this still has nice racy cut, with youthful green and yellow apple fruit at the core and a lacing of hazelnut rippling through the finish. Drink now through 2013.-J.M.
De Trafford
Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch 2009
91 points | $32 | 98 cases imported | White
A plump, full-bodied style, with a toasted brioche edge to the creamed pear, fig and apple notes. There`s creamy mouthfeel and ample length, with a lingering note of hazelnut for a flashy hint. Drink now through 2017.-J.M.
Rustenberg
Five Soldiers Stellenbosch 2009
91 points | $38 | 88 cases imported | White
A ripe, lush, crowd-pleasing style, with lots of mouthfilling creamed melon, buttered brioche and pear flavors that glide along. Yet there`s plenty of buried zip for balance, with a long, lingering finish that should stretch out nicely with short-term cellaring. Drink now through 2017.-J.M.
Neil Ellis
Chardonnay Elgin 2010
90 points | $27 | 200 cases imported | White
Offers ripe melon, fig and pear fruit flavors, but stays very racy, with mouthwatering floral and mineral hints stretching out the finish. Delicious. Drink now through 2013.-J.M.
Fairview
La Beryl Blanc Paarl 2010
90 points | $29/500ml | 500 cases made | Dessert
A bright, almost breezy style, with delicious peach, melon, mango and pineapple flavors, backed by a creamy, well-defined finish. Chenin Blanc. Drink now through 2013.-J.M.