South Africa Mega Tasting.  Add/Read Comments

Just returned from the South African Mega Tasting held at the old market at Billingsgate right in the heart of the city. Despite a totally inadequate tasting book (no space for notes from the generic stands), not being able to find the Top 10 Pinotage Table plus a raging headache that entailed leaving earlier than planned (those Chenins did me in guv') I did slurp quite a few interesting wines. Full notes to follow but two wines stood out that you should go look for immediately - The Sadie Family Palladius 2004, 2004, Malmesbury (also a Platter Guide winner) and the Jean Daneel Signature Chenin Blanc, 2004, Napier.

The Palladius is a superb, if unlikely, blend of Viognier, Chenin, Grenache and Chardonnay with a heady 14.5% alcohol. The Signature is a tiny production wine (9,000 cases) from a boutique producer. It certainly stood out from a mass of otherwise unexciting Chenins. Both retail in the £10-£20 mark.

It was only when the train shuddered to a temporary halt outside Hayes and Harlington that I suddenly remembered Stormhoek! I forgot to go see them. Damn.