Keeping It Cool

Siris Chilled Reds

Not being the most educated in The Wine, I do not have to support my sometimes (read: most times) unconventional Wine-related practises. One of said practises is to always chill The Red Wine. I have found a supporter of my practise in these particular wines.

RED:

• Seven Springs Pinot Noir (2012): 2^nd vintage produced. Strawberries in balsamic reduction, light savouriness, soft pepper pastries, dusty peppered rose, currant biltong. (*)

• Quando Pinot Noir (2012):  3000 bottles produced. Green dust, chalk powder, cumin, salty, licking the bottom of a filter coffee, cheese & jam tarts, white pepper coffee, cherry smoke.

• Waverley Hills Grenache Noir (2013): 500 bottles produced. Cherry ice lollies, berry Wine Gums, sweet scallop, red juice concentrate, slight vinigariness, blackcurrant fruit pastilles.

• Arendsig Grenache Noir (2013): Strawberry jam, syrupy, slightly tannic, berry jam tartlets, cranberry, light but full. (*)

• Alphabetical (2011): Swartland Shiraz / Stellenbosch Cab sauv, field spicing, governed by a style vs a recipe. Spicy cherry Pro-Vitas, Special K bars, chalky tannins, dusty, black berries.

NOTES:

• Red wine served too cold – brings out tannins
• Quando – in ecpactation of, langverwacht
• Waverley Hills – 9 Johan’s work on the farm (Johan Wyn, Johan Tuin, etc.)

Wines for Tea Time & Pregnancy

Siris Vintners – Selection

 A collection of quaffers – some I’d drink for tea, others are less likely to get you drunk than pregnant.

WHITE:

• Waverley Hills Organic Pinot Grigio (2013): 3 months on lees, “European Sauv Blanc”. Soapy lime, tangy & wispy, light buttery orange, Sauv Blanc with gossamer gloves.

• Seven Springs Unwooded Chardonnay (2012): Hermanus area, 3 year old vines, lees contact. Wet plank, honey spritsed with orange juice, teeny baby sprits, light blueish Brie with figs.(*)

• Groote Post Riesling (2013): Darling area. Oiled green apples, soapy, white peaches with sunlight soap shards, red onion & tomato marmalade (*)

• Post House “Stamp of Chenin” (2013): Helderberg, 35 year old vines, 45 days ferment. Limey Turkish Delight, honeyed rose water, crumpets with jasmine & orange cream, tennis biscuits. (***)

ROSE:

• Haut Espoir (2010): Franschoek, 100% Shiraz, French & Hungarian oak for 8 months. Slightly sour cream with strawberry jam, caramel vodka, strawberry Greek yoghurt, Turkish Delight in caramel cream, melted toffee apple. (*)

RED:

• Anura Limited Release Malbec (2011): Stellenbosch. Zambuk, minty eucalyptus, Vicks, like a punch in the mouth with a glove of curried powder, Stopayne, fennel, smoked cherries lurking.

Sentiments on Siris:

• Malbec – first date wine (high alcohol)
• Hungarian oak – adds spice
• Winemaker at Haut Espoir’s mother loved Hungarian wine so the rose was made for her
• “More people have fallen pregnant than fallen drunk on this wine” – Haut Espoir
• “I’ll drink it for tea”
• “Labels used to look like 2 cherubs humping a wreath” – Stamp of Chenin

Spring Has Sprung

Seven Springs

Most confusing on the nose & palate this one was - especially for one new to The Wine - but The Wine was Good & therefore we enjoyed.

WHITE:

·         Seven Springs Sauvignon Blanc (2011):  Thai green curry veg bake, guava, creamy veg bake vs sharp acidity, lime, butternut, fuller, sweet potato, coconut milk. Aging potential. (**)

·         Seven Springs Unwooded Chardonnay (2011): Acidity on nose, buttery, lime, croissants, cardboard finish, sawdust, cheese rind, pairs well with spicy food (Thai). (/)

·         Seven Springs Chardonnay (2011): Buttery, ciabatta toast, marmalade, creamy vs yeasty, brioche. Lightly oaked, good aging potential. (***)

RED:

·         Seven Springs Pinot Noir (2011): Bloody, red Drink ‘o Pop, raw lamb, soapy, chalky, lead, dust, lavender, Camembert rind mouth feel. Serve with game fish (tuna). (/)

·         Seven Springs Syrah (2010): Grape Chappies,flat  Fanta Grape, no spice, tannins, rose petals, pot pouri fumes, berry cheese gelato, smokes Mozarella

Fountain of Wisdom:

·         Unexpected, topsy-turvy  tasting

·         Why is a raven like a writing desk?

·         Clay soils = maturity + minerality

·         “Wine is like pizza – the base is important but you’re ordering it for the toppings”