Fairview La Capra Chenin Blanc 2011 Western Cape, South Africa 7.99

100% Chenin Blanc. Fairview is situated on the lower slopes of Mt. Paarl, which is more sheltered from the moderating maritime influence
than nearby Stellenbosch. The grapes come from a combination of old, dry land bush vine Chenin and trellised, drip irrigated vines on
the slopes of Paarl mountain and the Piekenierskloof. 2011 was a challenging vintage with a heatwave early in the season. The grapes
were pressed immediately and 90% of the free run juice was cold fermented in stainless steel tanks then blended with 10% that had been
barrel-fermented in old French oak barriques. Winemaker Anthony de Jager. Alc 13.5%, TA 6.25g/l, pH 3.36, RS 2.5g/l. Waitrose Wine Direct and 220 branches.

Light, fresh, green and inviting nose. Tart, fresh, zingy and clean flavour.

Morgenhof Estate Chenin Blanc 2010 Simonsberg-Stellenbosch, South Africa 10.99

100% Chenin Blanc from Morgenhof, owned by Anne Cointreau since 1993, a boutique estate, producing just 25,000 cases per year. This
Chenin Blanc comes from a single 9.85ha vineyard, vines 42 years old, planted on W-NW facing slopes at 280-300m. Grapes harvested
by hand at 4 tonnes/ha in Feb 2010. Crushed, destemmed and pressed then the press juice underwent 20 hours cold settling. Half the
juice racked to oak barrels and the other half to stainless steel tanks for fermentation. No malo and matured for 8 months in 225l French
oak barriques. Winemaker Jacques Cilliers. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Alc 14.0%, TA 5.8g/l, pH 3.63, RS 2.7g/l. Waitrose Wine Direct and 247 branches.

Some sulphur, initially. Pithy and not fabulous taste.

Excelsior Heritage Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Robertson, South Africa 7.29
100% Sauvignon Blanc with grapes sourced from Robertson, where the De Wets of Excelsior have farmed for over 150 years. The vines
are 4 - 18 years old, grown at high altitude with a cool microclimate, and all vineyard processes are done by hand. The yield was 65hl/ha.
2011 was a difficult vintage with cool spring and early summer, followed by a long heat wave and regular thunderstorms. Some of the
Sauvignon was harvested early to increase acidity in the final wine. Grapes were gently pressed and had no skin contact. Cool fermented
in tank with extended lees ageing for 3 months and no malo. Bottled July 2011. Winemaker Johan Stemmet. Suitable for vegetarians and
vegans. Alc 13.2%, TA 6.7g/l, pH 3.21, RS 3.2g/l. Special Offer: Save 20%, £7.29 - £5.79 from 19/10/11 to 08/11/11. Waitrose Wine Direct and 220 branches.

Light, green gooseberry aroma. A touch of fizz and bright, light and pretty good flavour. Snap up when on offer.

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