Pieropan Le Colombare 2004

I'll probably get some stick for bangin on about this wine again, but I dig it for several reasons. One - I love dessert wines, and Two - It is unlike any dessert wine I have tried before.

After chatting with the wine maker recently he explained it is made from 100% Garganega grapes, that are rack dried for 5 months, similar to the amarone style reds, and then 2 years in oak. No botrytis, no cane cut, different....

On the nose this wine is incredible, mangoes, honey, caramel... The palate is amazingly complex, with marmalade like characters, and brilliant depth.

I cant get enough of this stuff!! 91+ Points

James

Meerlust Rubicon 2005

We put this one on the EnoMatic last week, didnt know too much about it at the time, except that it was considered one of the top reds coming out of the region.

Poured myself a taste, first impression was one of familiarity. Deep colour, youthful aromas jumping out of cassis with cherry and some minerality, which to me screamed right bank Bordeaux. The palate continued on the same path, "juicy", full bodied, dry tannins.

I have since jumped online and looked into the wine, discovering that it is indeed a Bordeaux styled blend. Having said that, it easily stands on its own credentials. And while a $95 price tag is high in comparison to some other SA wines, it is well worth the price tag.

90+

James