Morgenster Nabucco 2013

Morgenster consultant Pierre Lurton, winemaker Henry Kotzé and owner Giulio Bertrand.

Yesterday a tasting of the new releases from Morgenster in Somerset West. Pick of the bunch was the Bordeaux-style Reserve 2012 which rated 91 on the 100-point scale in last year’s RisCura Red Hot Wine Awards and again showed very well. Wine Cellar price: R395 a bottle.

Whereas the Reserve 2012 is a blend of  72% Merlot, 16% Petit Verdot and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, the second-label Lourens River Valley 2012 consists of 71% Cabernet Franc, 24% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. More black than red fruit, definite notes of bramble and sundried tomato plus cigar box on the nose while the palate is lean and very dry. Wine Cellar price: R190 a bottle.

#WinemagRating: 88/100.

Then the two wines in the Italian Collection:

Morgenster Tosca 2013
76% Sangiovese, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Merlot. A very forthcoming nose of red cherries, fresh herbs, spice and vanilla. Succulent fruit, moderate acidity and grippy tannins – sound enough but perhaps a bit short of finesse.

#WinemagRating: 88/100.

Morgenster Nabucco 2013
100% Nebbiolo. A top note of rose petal before cherry, earth and spice. Succulent fruit on entry, good freshness, firm but fine tannins. Bigger and more forceful than 2012.

#WinemagRating: 90/100.

Find our South African wine ratings database here.