I bought 6 of these because I adored the '07 and it only appears in stock for a couple of days before disappearing for months.

The '08 is a totally different animal. I remember the '07 being dark and savoury with a fantastic coffee, chocolate and oak finish. The '08 is sweet and sherbety. It reminds me of the Zalze Pinotage '08 that Mel liked and then disliked. This has better quality oak but I am a bit disappointed.

The '07 has not long since gone. I wonder if the '08 will continue to fly off the shelves as quickly.

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tribs

The 2007 was very good.

I've not tasted the 2008. 2008 was supposed to be a good vintage -- I wonder if this wine needs a bit more time?

Its barrel aged for about a year then then would have had some bottle aging and then shipped to UK, I wonder how long its been off the boat?

No details of the 2008 on the winery website yet -- still showing the 2007, nor in Platter where the 2007 has 4 stars.

I'd stick it away for 6 months and try again...

The Houdamond is the standard Bellevue Estate Pinotage with an exclusive label for M&S

Cheers pontac

I've got 3 bottles of the '07 left. Is it worth keeping these a while?

I will tuck the '08 away for now.

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tribs

Oh, they'll certainly age. But since they are drinking enjoyably now, why wait?

I opened one of the '07 bottles tonight.

Absolutely superb. Sweet vanilla oak aroma and flavour leading into savoury but slightly raspberry fruit with just the right amount of spice. Perfectly balanced*. Totally different wine to the '08, probably due to very, perhaps overly ripe fruit. I hope they get back on track with the next vintage as this '07 is blooming delicious. I won't give it a star as its no longer available, but if it was it would definitely get one from me.

* for someone who likes oak.

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tribs

Isn't it infuriating -- by the time a wine turns out to be perfect and you want more - it's no longer available!!

Yep - Its often the case. 2 more left.

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tribs