riedel Archives - whiskytanuki

Glenelly Estate Grand Vin 2010

Country: South Africa
Region: Stellenbosch
Grape: 36% Shiraz, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot
ABV: 14.5

Colour: Dark purple core, medium brick on the rim.

Nose: Black raspberry, dusty, blueberry, cassis, leather, smoke, touch of spice.

Palate: Full bodied, medium tannins, medium acidity. Savoury, dried tomato, blackberry, pepper, clove, cherry.

Finish: Long finish, sour cherry, mineral, integrated oak.

Score: 82/100

Really well integrated wine with good structure. On the savoury and rustic side, could do with more quantity of fruits on the palate, drinking very well now.

Montes Alpha Pinot Noir 2014

Colour: Light ruby core

Nose: Cherry, raspberry, brine, stone, plum, underbrush.

Palate: Dry, medium bodied, medium+ acidity, medium- soft tannins. Ripe cherry, plum, raspberry, crushed stone.

Finish: Medium+ finish, mineral, faint vanilla.

Score: 78/100

Rather interesting nose to start, the usual cherry and red fruits, with a blast of salty briny character. The tannins are soft, and the acidity integrates very well with the wine. Palate is driven by ripe fruits and stone minerality, with a suggestion of vanilla in the finish. I also sensed a touch higher alcohol content in this wine from the finish.

Overall a very well made pinot noir for its price, a foot in the old world style, a small gripe with the higher alcohol content. I paired this wine with duck confit later-on, which was a wonderful pairing. Would drink now.