Five Fabulous wines with impressive ratings from four outstanding wineries in South Africa for our first tasting in May:

In 1993, hospitality industry veteran Ken Forrester and his wife Teresa purchased the historic Scholtzenhof estate, nestled at the base of the Helderberg in Stellenbosch. Originally established in 1689 as Zandberg, the property is one of the oldest wine farms in the Cape.

Founded in 1989, Mulderbosch is widely recognized as one of South Africa’s finest producers, Mulderbosch has attained both critical and commercial success, crafting an award-winning range of wines that consistently earn top ratings and Wine Spectator “Smart Buy” and “Outstanding Value” accolades.

De Morgenzon is Dutch for “the morning sun,” a fitting name for this boutique property high on the Stellenboschkloof, which is the first to be touched by the rising sun’s rays. DMZ is De Morgenzon’s Winery value label; where the objective is to produce classic, elegant, well-balanced wines which over-deliver in terms of quality for price.

Located on the southern slopes of the Simonsberg, Glenelly is owned by May-Eliane de Lencquesaing, Bordeaux doyenne and former owner of Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande. Struck by the tremendous potential of South Africa’s terroir and the beauty of the country, Mme de Lencquesaing decided to embark on a French adventure on African soil.

HOLLYWOOD VINE WINE TASTING

Tuesday May 3rd, 2011

6:00-9:00 PM

No charge for tastings

Ken Forrester Petit Chenin Blanc, 2010

Medium straw yellow; follow but tones of soil and minerals, attack of high-pitched fruit on the nose. Plump oily and soil driven, with good texture and dryness.

88 Points Steve Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar Mar/April 2011

BTG $5.50                                         Retail $12.99           

Mulderbosch Rosé, 2010

100% Cabernet Sauvignon

This sexy, sophisticated dry rosé combines mouthwatering flavors of wild strawberry and pomegranate with graceful notes of lavender and herbs de Provence.

BTG $5.50

                                       Retail $12.99 

DMZ Syrah, 2009

100% Syrah

The nose of this round, elegant Syrah flaunts enticing aromas of ripe berries and red plum with delicate floral notes. Juicy layers of rich, vibrant berry fruit unfold on the palate, backed by hints of pepper, cinnamon and vanilla.

90 Points Steve Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar Mar/April 2011

BTG $ 6.75                                       Retail $16.99

Mulderbosch Faithful Hound, 2007

62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec, 10% Petit Verdot, 10% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc

Enticing aromas of blackcurrant, mulberry, coffee, and spice lead to intense flavors of ripe plum, blackberry, and licorice enhanced by signature Bordeaux notes of tobacco, forest floor and graphite.

90 Points Steve Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar Mar/April 2011

BTG $ 9.25                                        Retail $23.99

Grand Vin de Glenelly, 2007

44% Shiraz, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot

It exhibits great intensity and complexity, with fine grained tannins that are firm yet elegant. The rich, savory character of Shiraz is enhanced by lush, concentrated flavors of blackberry, cherry and cassis, supported by floral tones and notes of tobacco and spice.

90 Points Steve Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar Mar/April 2011

BTG $10.50                                       Retail $27.99