On the 26th of September Glen Egan, visited us once more and brought Hoopenburg back to Vats. It is always great to see Glen, as his tastings are always fantastic. This was an amazing tasting filled with yummy wines. The tasting order was as follows, with the scores and the comments made by the tasters present.
1. Blanc de Noir Sparkling wine (Cabernet Sauvignon) 2023
Colour- light pink. Nose-cherries and berries. Palate- crisp acidity, slightly sweet, raspberries, red and black cherries, lots of berry like sweetness.
Score- 15.73.
2. Integer Chardonnay MCC NV (2021)
Colour-light green, with a fine mousse. Nose- perfumed, orange blossoms, pear, honey, brioche, toast and citrus. Palate- crisp acidity, citrusy with orange and lemon, toasty, brioche, pineapple, honey, with spice that linger to the finish.
Score- 16.60.
3. Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Colour- light green, with a golden rim. Nose- citrus, pine needle, green grass, asparagus, lemon and tinned peas. Palate- crisp acidity, citrusy, dusty almost earthy, lemony and sherbety, green apples, grapefruit, with a hint of smokiness.
Score- 16.00.
4. Integer Chardonnay 2021
Colour- light green, with a golden rim. Nose- butterscotch, butter, toast, floral, lemon and oranges. Palate- crisp acidity, lemon and orange, lime, creamy, butterscotch and toast, grapefruit almost marmalade like, spices and honey.
Score- 16.80.
5. Pinot Noir (Burgundian clone) 2018
Colour- inky red, with only a slight gradation to a browning rim. Nose- red berries and cherries, black currant, mixed fruit jam and caramel. Palate- crisp acidity, soft tannins, juicy fruits, black tea, dark cherries, pepper, smoked meats, not typical.
Score- 16.79.
6. The Guru Merlot 2020
Colour- dark inky red, with no gradation to a clear rim. Nose- caramel, smoke, black cherries and berries, spices. Palate- crisp acidity, soft but lively tannins, spices, cassis, black cherries, mint and Eucalyptus, with chocolate that lingers to the finish.
Score- 17.07.
7. Rhone Red Blend 2018 (36% Shiraz, 32% Mourvèdre, 32% Carignan)
Colour- inky red, with no gradation to a clear rim. Nose- prunes, spices, pepper, smoky, caramel and toffee. Palate- crisp acidity, caramel, toffee, chocolate mousse, black cherries, spices.
Score- 17.23.
8. Shiraz 2020
Colour- inky red, with only a slight gradation to a clear rim. Nose- spices, black cherries and berries. Palate- crisp acidity, with full juicy tannins, black berries and cherries, spices, caramel, toffee, black cherries on the finish.
Score- 16.92.
A great tasting, with lovely wines that were extremely well priced. Glen’s information on the wines, with how they were made was top notch. Top wine was the Rhone Blend, followed by the Guru Merlot and the Shiraz. Glen did it again, brilliant tasting, thanks so much!
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