Wine Spectator invites us to Discover South Africa. Quite the stunning place according to Laura, who toured city and countryside pre-kids. (And pre-me!) [level-members]
First, Matt Kramer’s column is great. He encourages us to think simple when it comes to summer wine and offers the opinion that “summer wines should be the most adventurous, experimental, even goofy wines you try all year.” Hear, hear.
South Africa is sitting on its second very good vintage in a row by WS’s accounting. 2011 scored a 90 overall, and 2012 has the potential to be higher.
Their list of top wines are all a bit pricey, between $35 and $125 or so, with most falling toward the lower end of that scale. Top values are all under $15 and include Buitenverwachting’s Sauvignon Blanc Constantia Bayten 2012 for $15 as well as releases from Neil Ellis, Fairview, Ken Forrester and Raats Family.
Keep an eye on California Chards for 2011 – they may be lighter in style due to a very moist growing season.
Portugal is offered as a potential source of value wines. Real Companhia Velha Douro 2009 is $18 and they score it 91. Américo Nunes Seabra Dão 2008 is a point and $3 lower.
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