Francois Botha

Sergio Cerrino Brich Menu Moscato D'asti 2008, Docg

Joseph Cattin Gewürztraminer 2011, Ac Alsace

Lychees, roses, honey, and minerals on the nose. It is off-dry, very fruit, and juicy. Excellent value.

Trapiche Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2010, Mendoza

Fantastic nose with aromas of blackberry, raspberry, spices, nuts, toffee, tobacco, and tea leaves. More subdued on the palate where it is medium-to-full bodied with plenty of fruit, but the green tannins threaten the balance of the wine.

Ken Forrester Chenin Blanc 2009, Wo Stellenbosch

Honey, lime, apple, orange peel, and grapefruit on the nose. This carries through to the palate which features a crisp acidity and which leaves a lingering aftertaste. Slight butteriness is also apparent.

K W V Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Western Cape

Blackberries, cherries, cassis, smokiness, tabacco, and a hint of spice on the nose. Juicy, ripe fruit on a palate that is well-balanced and medium-to-full-bodied. May improve over the next 5 years.

Chapillon Cuvée Harmonie Petit Verdot/Tannat 2006, Do Aragón

Dominio Del Plata Crios Limited Edition Red Blend 2012

Blackberries, spices, black pepper, and nuttiness on the nose. The wine is juicy and full-bodied with softening tannin. Fantastic value.

Le Secret Des Capitelles Saint Chinian 2007, Ac

Pierre Sparr Gewurztraminer 2009, Alsace

Roses, honey wax, orange rind, lychee, and white pepper on the nose. The wine is medium-bodoed with a lingering lychee aftertaste. It is off-dry but tastes more on the dry side.

Estate Hatzimichalis Chardonnay 2010

I have not had the 2010 and this applies to the 2011 vintage. Green apple, lime, and butter are the most upfront aromas. It has crisp acidity with lots of fruit and is light to medium bodied.