KWV Winery 2014 Roodeberg (Western Cape) South Africa
Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $13.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: April 5th, 2016
Tasting Notes: A cool, masculine, menthol-scented blend of Bordeaux and Rhone grapes with added aromas of dark red fruit, spiced plum sauce and sweet, cured meat. The palate is sprightly with dark fruit and rustic components supported by sweet oak, licorice and light spice flavours. Length and balance are good, especially for the under $15 price-point. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca
KWV Winery 2012 Roodeberg (Western Cape) South Africa
Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $12.29 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: October 1st, 2015
Tasting Notes: Most people don't decant budget wines. They twist off the cap and pour immediately, occasionally complaining of a harsh or rigid mouthfeel. Decanting is not just for aged, cellar worth wines of-a-certain-price. Many wines, like this perfectly enjoyable $12 blend of Bordeaux and Rhone varieties need a chance to open-up, release some trapped gas and settled own before they become drinkable. And that's not to say that decanting will make this middleweight, blue fruit and sweet oak-infused wine taste like a much more expensive one, it won't, it's simply essential to making it drinkable. Notes of licorice, plum, mocha and spice linger on the moderate finish. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca
KWV Winery 2011 Roodeberg (Western Cape) South Africa
Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $13.99
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: July 26th, 2014
Tasting Notes: This blend of Bordeaux and Rhone grapes (percentages and variety not indicated) requires a very long decant to mature from its initial, closed and unwelcoming state. After 2+hrs, a rather pleasing nose with sinus-cleansing intensity emerges, offering aromas of ripe, dark red fruit, spiced plum sauce and sage.
The middleweight palate is far more subdued and approachable with an easy-drinking profile of ubiquitous 'dark red fruit' and sweet oak, licorice and light spice flavours. Not overly complex or long, but decent balance and good "drinkability", especially for the under $15 price-point. Drink now-2016.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
