So, my third day in the paradise that is the Franschhoek valley. I began at La Bri, with Irene Waller (above), who has been making wine here for a while….
In Franschhoek day 2, Lynx and Landau
Yesterday exceeded my expectations. Just two visits, but they were in depth, and super interesting. The first was at Lynx, with Dieter Sellmeyer. He and his wife Diana moved here…
In Franschhoek, South Africa
So I am in South Africa again. This time, I’m spending a few days in Franschhoek, with the aim of getting under the skin of this region. I’m staying with…
Storm Pinot Noir ‘Vrede’ 2012, a new star from South Africa
Hannes Storm was, for a decade, winemaker at Hamilton Russell, until he left in 2014 to do his own thing. Well, this is the first chance I’ve had to try…
Chenin Blanc and Grüner Veltliner
Two nice wines, from two of my favourite white varieties. The first is an own-label from Berry Bros & Rudd. It’s a sort of better class of own label: Nikolaihof…
Three brilliant Swartland wines from Mount Abora
Here we have three brilliant Swartland wines from Mount Abora. They are really compelling, made with low alcohol in a natural way, with lots of interest. They are also living…
What the Great South African Syrah tasting tells us
On Thursday a very interesting tasting was held. It has already been written up by Tim Atkin and Christian Eedes, the two journalists who put it together. They were…
In St James, Cape Town, judging wine
For the last few days I have been in St James, Cape Town, judging wine for the Top 100 South African Wines competition. It’s the fifth year of the competition,…
A nice fine wine dinner with Burgundy, Bordeaux, Loire and South Africa
Last night we had a lovely dinner at Terroir, hosted by Keith Prothero. This is the restaurant on the Kleine Zalze estate, and the food was very good. The wine…