Friday 03/06/9: Ken Forrester: Petit! Chenin Blanc 2008.

Producer: Ken Forrester

Type: White

Designation: Petit

Variety: 100% Chenin Blanc

Vintage: 2008

Country: South Africa

Region: Coastal Region

Sub-Region: Stellenbosch

Appellation: Stellenbosch

Cost: $10 - 12 range

Background:

The historical town of Stellenbosch boasts a winemaking tradition which stretches back to the end of the 17th-century.
The mountainous terrain, good rainfall, deep well-drained soils and diversity of terroirs make this a sought-after viticultural area. The rapidly increasing number of wine estates includes some of the most famous names in Cape wine. The district, with its mix of historic estates and contemporary wineries, produces excellent examples of almost all the noble grape varieties.
The intensively farmed Stellenbosch district has been divided up into several smaller viticultural pockets including Jonkershoek Valley, Papegaaiberg, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch, Bottelary, Devon Valley and Banghoek (copy credit: cellar trackers).

Tasting Notes:

Initial Impressions:
A beautiful white, this Chenin relishes in a pale golden color with a few bubbles lining the bottom of the glass. The legs are short and stubby but numerous and extremely even. The nose is presented with a Grannysmith, lemon-lime, and a nice floral bouquet. Somewhat viscous on the glass wall, the overall impression leaves you knowing that this is a well constructed bit of juice.

Palette:

Spring, here we come! This is another white that demands a warm day and blue skies. Acidic yet balances nicely with green apple/citrus as well as hints of graphite and mineral. Incredible So. African for $10 (local). Very soft in texture and has a surprising amount of umph to it (13% alcohol). When in a pinch and need a non-red wine, this is highly recommended not only for the quality of wine itself but for the price. Hard to beat for $10. I rate this little known about gem at 91.

Friday 03/06/9: Two Hand's: Angel's Share 2007

Producer: Two hands

Type: Red

Designation: Angel's Share

Variety: Shiraz

Vintage: 2007

Country: Australia

Region: South Australia

Sub-Region: Fleurieu

Appellation: McLauren Vale

Cost: $31 - $35 range

Background: 

The 'Two Hands' are Michael Twelftree and Richard Mintz who formed the company in 1999 with the clear objective of making the best possible Shiraz-based wines from prized Shiraz producing regions within Australia. In 2000 they started with just 17 tonnes of fruit from the McLaren. Vale and Padthaway wine regions, and the heart of the operation is based in the Barossa Valley. Since the winery opened, Two Hands sucess has gone from "strength to strength" with numerous accolades defining the culture of the organization. Two Hands Wines were listed in the Wine Spectator Top 100 for the last five years with two listings in the top 10, and the Ares was voted one of the 25 Benchmark Wines of Australia.

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# 83 of Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2008!!!!!!

The grapes were crushed into and fermented in open top potters, with regular pump overs three times daily to extract colour and tannin. The grapes were then pressed and the wine was transferred to tank and then racked to barrel of oak maturation. MATURATION 10 months in 14% new American oak hogsheads, the balance in 1, 2 and 3 year old American oak. ANALYSIS Alc 15.5%, pH 3.4, Acidity 7.4 CELLAR POTENTIAL 5-7 years.

Tasting Notes:

Initial Impressions: 

Coating the glass with a silky and purplish glaze, this most incredible Shiraz has been a long favorite every since my first tasting in 2005. Upon inspection, the legs actually retain a undoubtable purple color where the legs of many wines are clear and opaque. And while this is not a proper wine etiquette, you may have noticed that I talk about "teeth staining" quite a bit. The reason behind this is that if you are not attentive after drinking some of these Shiraz', your teeth will look as if you just drank a bottle of ink. Unfortunately (and fortunately if the person deserves it) casual wine drinkers do not know about this and it seems that the more it stains, the more he person smiles in an oblivious, yet obnoxious manner. Funny actually and embarrassing at the same time. So do yourself a favor and take frequent powder room breaks, checking yourself in the mirror because after this awesome vino, your bright, pearly whites will suddenly be a row of inky black dentine stubs that look like they should belong to an 18th century street whore. The teeth staining ability of this wine a solid 8. 

The nose presents a most complex, fruit-forward fragrance of blueberry, raspberry, and even a touch of smoke and cedar. Intricately subtle (not a strong nose but what is there is incredible and wide ranging).

Palette:

Bloody hell! Fruit explosion of cherry, black cherry, and "blueberry cheesecake" merging with spice, licorice, vanilla, and cream, and a finish that coats your mouth like a silk glove. Guys, if you want to impress your girl whilst getting her drunk at the same time, this is your wing man. Completely unassuming and the heat of the alcohol is masked beautifully. Great, great juice and for the price, it is an impressive vino. This wine is not always easy to find but they are out there if you look around. Now, I only share this wine with friends and family who can appreciate it. Not because $30+ is all that much money but because this is a wine that should be enjoyed by those who can appreciate it. If you have this wine with me, it is not just because I like you... it is because I know that you can appreciate a kick ass wine. If I pull out a Yellow Tail or a Two Buck "Up-Chuck" (and believe me, I won't be drinking it with you), then I'll make sure that I provide you with an aspirin for the headache in which you will inevitably experience. I give Two Hand's Angel's Share a solid 95 points. Find you some of this divine nectar and share sparingly :).