Vriesenhof Grenache 2011
By Christian Eedes, 6 March 2014
4
“Sophisticated and serious as well as easily delightful” writes colleague Tim James of the Grenache 2011 from Vriesenhof in the 2014 edition of Platter’s (before awarding it 4½ Stars) and I know what he means.
It’s the kind of wine which doesn’t take over the evening but is just part of the evening, uplifting the meal and promoting conviviality. Red fruit plus spice and a certain hung meat quality (in a good way), lemon-like acidity and fine tannins. Big-hearted and honest (I got my bottle for R156.25 at the Stellenbosch Wine Festival).
Score: 90/100.
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Hennie @ Batonage6 March 2014
The thing I like best about this wine… other than its quality that is, is the fact that it comes in a nice big bottle. I can drink it all night and have something left over for tomorrow.
Christian6 March 2014
2011 now in 750ml bottle. For the record.
Hennie @ Batonage6 March 2014
Good thing I still have 2010. 😉
Joe6 March 2014
Piekenierskloof’s best, as far as I’m concerned. And yes, that “doesn’t take over the evening but uplifts the meal & the conviviality” is pretty much Jan Boland Coetzee’s house style with all his wines. Classic, restrained, elegant. Woe betide us once he retires from Vriesenhof.