winewaves

Sebeka Western Cape Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Following a trend that's long in the tooth, wine giant Gallo is using the Cheetah as their symbol for marketing the new Sebeka line. Everyone is saying the "critter craze" has run its course and we need to move on. But what's a brand manager to do when given the task to come up with a marketing icon for a new $7 South African wine; one that will compete with Yellow Tail?

Evidently Gallo believes heavy marketing and promotion plus an over the top floor display will make this Cheetah hunt. But from an informed wine consumer's point of view it's somewhat of an insult. Animals on labels are still fair game but one needs to be more creative with them and do a better job of connecting the animal, the brand and the wine's story. If South African wine is a bit mysterious, how does hitting us over the head with a cheetah help tell the story?

The name Sebeka is just as superficial and non-explanative. It was recently posited (at Grape.co.za) that "Sebeka in the isiXhosa and isiZulu languages means something that is (has been) stored or laid down", but is seems more likely that Gallo just thought it sounded good. Are they aware that Sebeka is a town in Minnesota, population 710?

Gallo is working with Swartland Winery for the source of wine for the Sebeka brand, using fruit from the Western Cape region north of Cape Town.

Very nice value ($7). Closure: Neocork. Alcohol content: 13.5%.

Style: Crisp, citrusy, grassy, lightly fruity, palate cleansing.

Tasting Notes: Appearance: Pale straw. Aromas: Melon, grass, and slight hints of sweet marshmallow and banana that reminds me of a compound flavorists use called "ethyl maltol". The mouthfeel is light and tart, with lemon, green apple and lime rind flavors that finish nicely dry and palate cleansing.

Comment: If you can get past the Cheetah coalition, the price is right on this wild white.

Fairvalley South Africa Sauvignon Blanc 2005

Out of Africa comes this refreshing wild white with continental character, a fair price, and an uplifting story. Fairvalley is owned and operated by a group of black farmworkers from Fairview, on adjacent land donated by Fairview (Charles Back). The group received a government grant upon their founding in 1997.

With winery proceeds, workers' homes have already been built on the property, and there are plans for further development. Awie Adolf, Fairvalley's Winemaker, uses all stainless steel to vinify the Coastal Region fruit for Fairvalley Sauvignon Blanc 2005. Tasting Notes:  Color: Pale straw with a greenish tint. Aromas: Green apple, lime, melon and grass. The body is very light, and the citrusy green apple flavors finish quickly and cleanly. Closure: Screw cap. Excellent value ($8). Imported by Vinnovative.

Kanu Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc 2004

Cape Classics* imports a number of South African Cape wines, including Kanu Chenin Blanc 2004. Kanu** wines are grown and produced on the Goedgeloof*** Farm, in Stellenbosch, which is East of Cape Town. The vines average 26 years old, bush trained, and produce only about 2.5 tons/acre.

The composition is 97% Chenin Blanc, 3% Chardonnay.  During vinification, oxygen is kept out of the headspace, and fermentation is cold, in stainless steel. Richard Kershaw is Winemaker. Tasting Notes:  Color: Light lemon straw, with a slight greenish tint. Aromas of lemon, cold blossoms, apricots and wet slate are a nice prelude to the minerally, mildly tart and just barely sweet sensation on the tongue. Apricot, tangy lemon and mineral flavors lead to a clean dry finish. Closure: Real cork. Nice value ($11).

*President Andre Shearer and his brother Gary first began exporting Cape wines from South Africa in 1990.  Later, Andre moved to New York and began the USA importing Company.

**Legend has it that the Kanu is a mythical bird of promise, and that all who fall under its shadow as it flies will be blessed with an abundant harvest.

***Pronounced "hoot-ha-loofe", which translates to "good life".

Hamilton Russell Vineyards Walker Bay South Africa Chardonnay 2004

Vineyard Brands imports this Estate Chardonnay. The Hamilton Russell Estate is located in the cool, maritime Walker Bay area, behind a fishing village called Hermanus, southeast of Cape Town in the Western Cape.

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the main focus here. This Chardonnay was barrel fermented and aged. The aging was 8 months in French Oak (about 3/10 new). 7500 cases were produced. 91 points. The color is light gold. The aromas are rich layers of peach, honey, buttered toast, and spicy oak. The texture is round and well-structured. The flavors include peach, apple, tart citrus and mineral. The finish is dry, with fruit and oak harmony. The closure is a genuine cork. The $25 (Nashville) price makes this an excellent buy in a rich but classic style Chardonnay.

Brampton Western Cape South Africa Sauvignon Blanc 2004

Cape Classics imports Brampton Sauvignon Blanc, which is produced by Rustenberg Estate. The grapes were cool harvested and cool fermented in stainless steel (no wood). 85 points. The color is a pale straw. The aromas lean to the green side, a bit herbaceous, even for a South African Sauvignon Blanc. There are aromas of grass, herbs, asparagus, as well as some of the more desireable fruity notes. The flavors are very lively, a bit shrill, tart and green. The mouthfeel is fleshy, and the finish is lean and clean. The closure is a screw cap.

The $11 Nashville price is reasonable, if you like a lean green cool weather Sauvignon Blanc, and you aren't expecting a lot of fruit.

Sincerely Sauvignon Blanc 2004

This was our third bottle of Sincerely, and all three have gone quickly. Vineyard Brands brings us this South African Sauvignon Blanc from the Coastal Region, produced by Neil Ellis Wines. The color is a light straw, and the aromas are lime, pear, gooseberry and sage. The mouthfeel has nice body, and there is plenty of acidity to keep the flavors and finish going. Vivid! The closure is a screw cap. At about $15, this is a good buy on a complex South African white.

KWV Steen 2004

Steen is 100% Chenin Blanc, from the Western Cape of South Africa. The color is pale straw. The aromas are inviting and include herbs, melon, crisp green apples and spice. The finish is simple, with maybe a hint of residual sugar well balanced by a tart acidic finish. The closure is a genuine cork. (A screw cap would be excellent.) At $7 (Nashville), this is 1/2 to 1/3 the price if a nice Vouvray, and the style is very nice. This is a real deal in a light white for those warm afternoons coming up.

Porcupine Ridge Boekenhoutskloof Sauvignon Blanc 2003

Sauvignon Blanc is a up-and-coming varietal in South Africa. This one is showing very well in this vintage. The aromas and flavors are awakening to the senses, including essences of lemon-lime, almost-ripe peaches, and a sprig of spearmint. The finish is crisp and dry. We enjoyed it with Havarti cheese (with herbs). The closure is a screw cap (how appropriate!). At $8.99 (Nashville price), this is a refreshing crisp white wine for everyday, casual but well made.