Category Archives: South Africa

A bounty of 2011 rosé: The San Francisco Chronicle recommends

Posted on June 5, 2012 by Carolyn Blakeslee

This is an interesting shopping list/summer project!Out of 100 roses tried, 30 made their “Recommended” list. Most cost less than $20. The San Francisco Chronicle’s list of 2011 rosés. Written by Jon Bonné. Panelists: Jon Bonné, Chronicle wine editor; Wayne … Continue reading →

Posted in Austria, California, France, Italy, News, Rosé, South Africa, South Australia, Spain | Leave a comment

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Warwick, 2009 “The First Lady” Cabernet Sauvignon (97% Cab, 3% Petit Verdot), South Africa. 14.0% ABV. $12.60-16.99.

Posted on December 10, 2011 by Carolyn Blakeslee

There is quite a story behind the name “The First Lady,” but let’s get down to the brass tacks of the wine first. Deep ruby red with pink edges and clarity, this intense wine temporarily tinted the glass! The nose … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, South Africa | Leave a comment

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: 2008 Brampton Shiraz by Rustenberg Wines. Stellenbosch, South Africa. 14.5% ABV. $11.95.

Posted on December 9, 2011 by Carolyn Blakeslee

Cloves, oak, just a delicious big fat boy. LABEL NOTES: Matured in oak for 14 months. Characteristics of cloves, white pepper, black cherries, and hints of dark chocolate will compement game meat, stews and fine cheeses. Enjoy now or within … Continue reading →

Posted in South Africa, Syrah/Shiraz | Leave a comment

Hey, kids! Check out this restaurant’s wine list: It’s the Frugal Wine Snob’s dream come true.

Posted on October 4, 2011 by Carolyn Blakeslee

In Gainesville, FL, The New Deal Café is the sister (and next-door) restaurant to Mildred’s Big City Food. Mildred’s has a fairly extensive wine list and they sponsor tastings from time to time. The New Deal Café is less expensive, … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Restaurants, South Africa, Syrah/Shiraz, Tastings, Tips | 1 Comment

RECOMMENDED: 2008 Fleur du Cap Merlot. Stellenbosch, South Africa. 13.5% alcohol. $8.99.

Posted on September 23, 2011 by Carolyn Blakeslee

It’s a great time to be a Frugal Wine Snob—the whole world has opened up. We’re no longer limited mostly to California and European wines (as we were 25 years ago), a large percentage of which used to be cork-sour … Continue reading →

Posted in Merlot, South Africa | Leave a comment

RECOMMENDED: 2008 Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon, Robertson/Ashton, South Africa. Usually $7.99-9.99, available for as little as $5.99.

Posted on September 5, 2011 by Carolyn Blakeslee

Having had an outstanding Radford Dale Shiraz/Viognier (90/10) from the Stellenbosch region of South Africa recently, I was interested in trying a wine from a different region of South Africa. The whole world has opened up wide, the competition is … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, South Africa, Syrah/Shiraz | Leave a comment