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This week’s vinous highlights	Friday, 23 September 2022

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Alsace is home to Domaine Trimbach, whose wines are sought-after by connoisseurs around the world. This week we’re drinking their 2018 Gewürztraminer – a rich, aromatic white that’s light on its feet. Another French favourite to buy by the caseload is Chapoutier’s Bila-Haut Blanc 2021. Vibrant and mineral, it’s a classic Roussillon blend that represents incredible value at R175. Back home, Rall Cinsault Blanc 2021 is extremely limited, so grab the last few bottles while you can. And Reg Holder’s Dorper Chenin Blanc 2020 is a lively expression of old-vine Stellenbosch Chenin. ‘Now out on his own after a number of high-profile posts in Stellenbosch, Reg Holder is an excellent winemaker,’ enthuses Tim Atkin.

Looking ahead to October, don’t miss the once-in-a-lifetime Bordeaux Charity Dinner with Dan Nicholl and Roland Peens. Join us on a hedonistic journey through the greatest wines of Bordeaux over the last 60 years! The Coats Family cellar is one of the grandest wine collections in South Africa, with an unbelievable line-up that will be available on Strauss & Co’s 6 November auction.

Trimbach Gewürztraminer 2018
R 365 PER BOTTLE

‘Gewürztraminer’ is a bit of a tongue twister, and perhaps that’s why this distinctive Alsatian white often flies under the radar. Trimbach calls Gewürztraminer ‘the most aromatic grape’, and we couldn’t agree more. Discover the beauty of their perfumed Gewürztraminer 2018, with its intense aromatics of lychee, rose water and grapefruit, and bone-dry finish. It’s the perfect companion to spicy foods such as Thai green curry or Asian duck.

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Rall Cinsault Blanc 2021
R 265 PER BOTTLE

This is the only bottling of Cinsault Blanc in South Africa, making it truly unique and a must-try! Old vines produced an exciting wine in 2021, with a subtle grip underscoring the linear frame. It’s wonderfully light with shy fruit and makes a superb aperitif, or pair it with delicate seafood. The wine was fermented and aged in an amphora to ensure a transparent expression of Cinsault Blanc. With only one amphora produced, it’s a rarity indeed.

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Dorper Chenin Blanc 2020
R 235 per bottle

We’ve been hugely excited about the Dorper range since tasting the 2020 Dorper Chenin with Reg earlier this year. The wine is energetic and concentrated, with focused acidity and a pithy finish. From older vines in Stellenbosch, Reg strongly believes that a ‘wine gets its identity from the soil’. If you haven’t already tried it, now’s your chance to get in on the excitement.

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Chapoutier Bila-Haut Blanc 2021
R 175 PER bottle

‘It is impossible to overestimate the beauty, intricacy, grace and complexity of Roussillon wines,’ asserts Tamlyn Currin of JancisRobinson.com. The ideal introduction to the white wines from this region is Chapoutier’s Bila-Haut Blanc 2021 – a perennial favourite here at Wine Cellar. This blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne and Macabeu offers up amazing aromatics, purity of fruit, and a mineral, salty finish. Amazing value at R175!

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The Dan & Roland Bordeaux Charity Dinner
15 OCTOBER AT 6PM, AUBERGINE, CAPE TOWN

The spectacular line-up for this dinner has been donated by the Coats Family, and all proceeds will go to the Sp(i)eel art therapies collective – an NPO that develops trauma-informed community models of mental healthcare in the Cape Winelands. The line-up will be paired with a 5-course menu by Harald Bresselschmidt and will include Angelus 2005, Petrus 2005, Ausone 2000, Pavie 2000, Margaux 1996, Haut-Brion 1989, Le Pin 1989, Cheval Blanc 1982, Lafite 1982, Latour 1982, d'Yquem 1967, Mouton Rothschild 1961, and La Mission Haut-Brion 1959. To book, email Roland@winecellar.co.za

Book now >

Play today’s Winedle

Try our vinous take on a popular word game. Guess the wine-related word in a limited number of turns, and challenge your friends to do better. Our wine recommendations may provide a clue.