On the 25th of June, Mandla Patson Mathonsi (Graham Beck Brand Ambassador) presented the wines of Steenberg to us. It was our first tasting with Mandla, who is an amazing, energetic presenter, with oodles of wine knowledge! Many of us learnt allot of new wine facts (wine styles), in this lovely tasting! There was also a large discussion about food and wine, which was great too. The following is the tasting, the comments of the tasters and the average scores.
1. Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Colour- light green. Nose- salty, citrus, grass, gooseberry, guava. Palate- crisp acidity, salty minerality, sherbet, capers, green bell peppers, nettles, grassy, gooseberry, guava.
Score- 16.17.
2. Black Swan Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Colour- light green, with a light hay tinge to the rim. Nose- grass, lanolin, citrus, lemon, green pea, white melon. Palate- crisp acidity, green bell peppers, grassy, green pea, creamy palate, lemon and lime that lingers to the finish, white melon, honey.
Score- 16.94.
3. Nebbiolo 2018
Colour- deep red to garnet, with no gradation to a clear rim. Nose- metallic, farmyard, leather, liquorice, raisin, spice, prune. Palate- crisp acidity, firm but smooth tannins, tobacco, Eucalyptus/mint, liquorice, spices with cinnamon and cloves, pepper, prunes, cranberry, dried and acidic finish.
Score- 15.72.
4. Catherina Red Blend 2019 (51% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Malbec)
Colour- inky dark red, with no gradation to a red rim. Nose- tobacco, pencil shavings, Eucalyptus/mint, caramel, vanilla, black currant and cherry. Palate- crisp acidity, firm tannins, Eucalyptus/mint, fresh green herbs, menthol, cedar, meaty, coconut, savoury, mulberry, black cherry and currant, chocolate that lingers to the finish.
Score- 16.50.
Our last tasting of Steenberg was with Chantelle Johanssen (Steenberg Wine club) in May 2022, we tasted the vintage before each of these, which somehow scored a bit higher. But, this was a lovely informative tasting with a real good presenter! Top wine the Black Swan, followed by the Catharina and the Classic Sauvignon Blanc, great tasting. Thanks Mandla, we hope to see you again real soon!
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