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The wines we love. Ready to drink right now.	Wine Cellar team, 14 December 2021

Dear *|FNAME|*,

With temperatures rising and the holidays finally in sight, we asked our sales team about their go-to wines this festive season. From picnics to poolside sips, aperitifs to the main event, our list of '6 wines we're drinking this December' just had to be shared. Here's wishing you a wonderfully festive time ahead. May many a good bottle be popped during your celebrations.

J.L. Vergnon, Murmure Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature 1er Cru NV
Grower Champagne from a favourite

'Fresh and crisp, the non-vintage Murmure Blanc de Blancs has a laser-like acidity that will pair perfectly with vibrant, briny West Coast oysters. It is grown and made by one of our favourite Grower Champagne producers – J.L. Vergnon. The bone-dry finish and linear, etched palate is the perfect 'first glass' with its salty, lemony notes awakening the palate for more to come.' – James Pietersen

R 695 >

Jean-Paul & Benoît Droin, Chablis 2020
A versatile Chard with personality

'This mineral, vibrant and perfumed Chablis comes from one of the region's oldest producers (400 years to be exact), Jean-Paul & Benoît Droin. This classically styled Chardonnay has massive personality and would be great with sushi, cheese, cold meats, vegetable terrines, asparagus, curries, oysters, and roast chicken, to name but a few. Next week, I'll be drinking this at an icy temperature in the middle of the bushveld!' – Jolette Steyn

R 495 >

Glenelly, Estate Reserve Red 2013
A classic, local red in its prime

'This is a classic Stellenbosch red moving into the peak of its drinking window. Made in a Bordeaux style, there is a dash of Syrah to add interest. The red and black fruit are wrapped in fine tannins, giving the wine its beautiful expression. It is ideal for the holiday table or for warm afternoons when served slightly chilled. If you can resist, keep some back for another 2-4 years to allow for further development.' – Johan Malan

R 300 >

Laibach, Chenin Blanc Sur Lie 2020
Rand-to-point ratio: Unmatched

'This is my favourite Chenin of the year! Fruit forward, layered and satisfying, it is very expressive with notes of citrus, stone fruit, pineapple, potpourri and a hint of spice. The palate has impressive depth of fruit, tangy acidity and an intensely savoury and long finish. Who wouldn't want to drink a 95-pointer for R130?' – Aimée Beaumont

R 130 >

Pio Cesare, Moscato d'Asti 2019
Lite and a crowd-pleaser to boot

'The Moscato d'Asti 2019 from Pio Cesare is just delicious! An absolute crowd-pleaser, it's fresh, fruity and boasts floral aromatics, pulling you in for more. Its sweet palate and sprightly fizz make for an incredibly versatile pairing wine. Served chilled as an aperitif with light seafood canapés or enjoy after mains with a selection of mature cheeses and preserved figs. Coming in at 5% alcohol, you may be tempted to sip the entire bottle on your own…' – Kenny Nassen

R 345 >

Terre Nere, Etna Rosso Calderara Sottana 2018
The Christmas centrepiece

'I had the pleasure of tasting and pouring this at the Vino in Piazza event in Johannesburg a few weeks back and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it! With poised, red fruit, it's rich and alluring with a mouth-watering acidity and slate-like minerality. It's focused and complex, showing notes of violets, dried cranberry, herbs and star anise. I'll be buying a special bottle of this to accompany my favourite Christmas Day dishes – tomato bruschetta and my mom's famous leg of lamb.' – Lauren Segers

R 875 >

Festive season deliveries:
Please place your orders before Wednesday, 15 December to receive your wines before Christmas and New Year.

Free delivery on orders over R 1,500. View delivery charges.

Reply to this email or visit our website to place your order online.

Vinous regards,

the Wine Cellar team

Tasting notes

J.L. Vergnon, Murmure Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature 1er Cru NV

'The NV Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Murmure 1er Cru is bright, punchy and super-expressive. A taut, linear expression of Chardonnay emerges from the glass, with plenty of citrus oil, floral and saline character. There is just a bit of angularity here, but it all works. The Murmure is a blend of fruit from Vertus and Villeneuve (all 2016), done in a combination of steel and neutral oak. Zero dosage. Disgorged: June 13, 2019. Drink 2020-2026' – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 92/100 (Nov 2020)

Jean-Paul & Benoît Droin, Chablis 2020

'The 2020 Chablis Village has quite a striking, fennel-tinged nose, vibrant and perfumed and full of personality. The taut, fresh palate delivers a fine bead of acidity... Drink 2023-2028.' – Neal Martin, Vinous, 87/100 (Oct 2021)

Glenelly, Estate Reserve Red 2013

'Cab continues its rise - to 47% in 2013, with merlot, cab franc, shiraz & petit verdot. Developing aromas & flavours add savoury complexity to the usual sweet fruity charm & tobacco notes. More ripeness & power (14.5% alcohol) than previously, with firm tannic backbone, but elegance too.' – Platter's Guide, 4.5* (94/100)

Laibach, Chenin Blanc Sur Lie 2020

'It’s typically a striking wine, the 2020 particularly so. The nose is very expressive with notes of citrus, stone fruit, pineapple, potpourri and a hint of spice while the palate has impressive depth of fruit, tangy acidity and an intensely savoury finish – plenty of weight but not at all listless. Another point very much in its favour is the quality it offers comes at a very fair price.' – Christian Eedes, Winemag, 95/100

Pio Cesare, Moscato d'Asti 2019

'Flavors of honey, rich ripe fruit, fragrant and aromatic. Slightly 'frizzante'. Produced in very limited quantities.' – Pio Cesare

Terre Nere, Etna Rosso Calderara Sottana 2018

'Dried raspberry and kirsch notes are rich and juicy on the palate of this expressive, medium- to full-bodied red, accented by candied violet and star anise aromatics. It's well-balanced and mouthwatering, with an underpinning of racy minerality driving the chewy finish. Drink now through 2030.' – Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator, 93/100

What's new?


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