Two please, Du Preez

Hi!

The next stop for the two of us was Du Preez Estate, which maintains remarkably low prices on all of its wines. Unfortunately my memory is a bit fuzzy on the farm itself, so obviously it didn't impress me much (I blame the haste, the wine, and the poor photographs).

Regardless, we tasted most of the range. We started off with the Sauv Blanc (R25) which had granny smith apple smells along with grass and fig leaf. Good acidity, and very good price. The unwooded Chardonnay (R25) had a heavy smell of guava, along with pineapple and lemon - a simple, easy going wine perfect for a hot summer day. The Polla's Red (R39) is a Pinotage based
blend, with Cab Sauv, Petit Verdot and Shiraz lending it support. The barrel contributed the most, with chocolate and mocha flavors coming through, a slight sawdust quality along with white pepper and red berries on the palate - meant as a food wine, it certainly accomplishes that goal.

The Cab Sauv (R39) was surprisingly delightful, and tasted like it was worth twice what it was actually priced as, with mint, black currants, cranberries, cigar box and chocolate smells, and a smooth fruity palate of mulberry and raspberry. Ready to drink and enjoy, and a surprisingly easy-going Cab. The Shiraz, valued at the same, was nothing special. Roasted pork, blue gum, and white pepper. The Merlot (also R39) was a bit more interesting with those heart-warming coffee and chocolate notes along with ripe red berries on the palate - another good food wine to go alongside a lighter home-cooked lunch.

The Hendrik Lodewyk Petit Verdot (R60) immediately leapt out the glass with strong leather whiffs that slowly succumbed to more fruity smells of darker berries, raspberry jam and black pepper. It needed a while to open up, but it was enjoyable when it did. Not the best Petit Verdot I've had, but worth the price. The final wine was the Hanepoot, valued at R35. With honey, orange and saltanas stepping to the frontlines of your tastebuds, this wine is perfect to go alongside that citrus sponge-cake at desert time.

Well, that's all I got for today.

Keep in good health!
Val