Ah, the festive season. A time of joy, indulgence, and the perfect excuse to raid the
wine rack (fridge - if you’re lucky), or cellar (if you’re very, very lucky) for those
bottles you’ve been saving for “special occasions.” What’s more special than the end
of a year well-lived, punctuated by moments of triumph and survival? With glasses
raised high (and a sudden need for reading glasses at the end of 2024), I dove into
four spectacular South African wines that turned my holidays into a full-blown
celebration. Allow me to entice your palate with our first vintage surprise:
Vrede en Lust 2012 White Mischief (6-Cultivar Blend)
Who doesn’t love a little mischief during the holidays? Vrede en Lust’s White
Mischief is a blend of six cultivars, and let me tell you, this wine is like the Avengers
of white blends – everyone’s bringing their superpower to the table. The mark of a
truly well-made white wine is how well it survives ageing in the McDonald
Household. According to website notes, the ageing potential is 3-5 years. Well… we
pushed that to 12 years!! And? Good for the grass, you ask? Down the drain
immediately you presume? No! At 12 years on, this 6-cultivar blend had maintained
its abundance of floral notes and tropical fruits on the nose. It had a full, lush and
beautifully balanced mouthfeel.
This 2012 vintage was still full of life, like the eccentric aunt who always shows up
with the most fabulous stories and a suitcase full of surprises. Mischief managed,
indeed.
Hidden Valley 2015 Sauvignon Blanc
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: a 2015 Sauvignon Blanc? Aren’t white
wines supposed to be consumed within a few years? With the production of white
wine seeing innovation, dedication and a better understanding of maturation
methods in South Africa, I do believe that our white wines can and will shine for
much longer than previously expected. Add to that the help of a screwcap and good
storage conditions, there is probably no reason why a respectable Sauvignon Blanc
shouldn't continue to give pleasure after 10 or 15 years. Enter Hidden Valley’s 2015
Sauvignon Blanc here to shatter preconceptions and demonstrate that white wines
can age with the elegance and depth of a fine cheese platter’s best companion.
On the nose, there’s a surprising complexity: hints of asparagus at first gave way to
papaya, a touch of honeycomb, and the faintest whisper of toasted nuts. The palate?
Oh, it’s a symphony. The zippy acidity has mellowed into a silky, layered experience,
with notes of preserved lemons, chamomile tea, and a lingering minerality that keeps
you coming back for more. If this wine were a person, it would be the wise,
effortlessly charming dinner guest who’s seen it all but still knows how to have fun.
Ridgeback Wines 2017 Viognier
Ah, Viognier – the wine equivalent of a silk scarf: luxurious, bold, and just a tad
indulgent. Crafted by my friend Toit Wessels, Ridgeback’s 2017 Viognier doesn’t just
wear silk, it drips in it.
On the nose, you’re greeted with a bouquet of orange blossoms, glazed pineapple,
apricots, and a hint of spice. The palate is rich and weighty, with luscious notes of
baked pears, and a touch of honey. Yet, for all its decadence, the wine retains a
lively freshness that keeps it balanced. Pair this with roast chicken, a spicy Thai
curry or a creamy cheese platter, and you’ve got yourself a match made in festive
heaven.
Iona 2019 One Man Band (Red Blend)
Finally, we arrive at one of the few red wines I actually drank this summer: Iona’s
2019 One Man Band. This blend is a harmonious medley of Shiraz, Petit Verdot, and
other red varietals, creating a wine that sings like a well-rehearsed choir.
The nose is an enticing mix of dark ripe berries, mocha, and a touch of smoky oak. I
also picked up the slightest hint of white pepper (which didn’t make me sneeze,
fortunately). On the palate, it’s bold yet elegant, with layers of blackberry jam, dark
chocolate, and a hint of black pepper. The tannins are grippy, but they tantalize you
like a cool breeze on a balmy festive evening. This is the wine you pour when the
braai’s sizzling, the music’s upbeat, and you’re ready to toast to the year that was.
Final Sip
Each of these wines has a story to tell and a glass (or bottle) to share. From the
aged beauty of Hidden Valley’s Sauvignon Blanc to the bold elegance of Iona’s One
Man Band, these are wines worth celebrating – just like the festive season itself. So
go ahead, uncork something special, savour the fruits of your labour, and make
every sip count. Cheers to a vintage year ahead!