Cult, icon, legend?+¦-+???+¦-ú?-¦?+¦-+?-+..we all so dearly want to award this status to a subject that captures our imagination. However, it is up to the specific subject to warrant this status by capturing the imagination in its way.
On the South African wine front it would appear that the GS Cabernet 1966 has been the leader in the cult stakes thanks to the mystery of its origins, the charisma of the wine’s creator ?+¦-+???+¦-ú?-¦?+¦-ú?+¦+¦ George Spies ?+¦-+???+¦-ú?-¦?+¦-ú?+¦+¦ and that sought-after scarcity factor. Oh yes, and then there was the 95 score in the Wine Spectator?+¦-+???+¦-ú?-¦?+¦-+?-+?+¦-+???+¦-ú?-¦?+¦-+?-+..
Another South African number that has been making an appearance at private tastings and the odd show is the 1800 Jaubert Family Muscat d’Alexandrie. The original barrel of Alexandrie was made in 1800 and since then the Joubert family of Barrydale have topped up their ancestral elixir annually. The result is a wine that has simply blown away those that have managed to procure a thimble from Cobus Joubert who now presides over this barrel. Like the GS, the really cool thing is that more people want to taste the 1800 than ever will, giving those who have a nudge-nudge, wink-wink privilege.
I’ll never forget tasting this wine at the event to celebrate the 350th anniversary of the SA wine industry. The sensation was akin to the one Adam experienced when Eve uncrossed her legs for the first time.
Now this Jaubert,1800 ,has scored a 99 out of 100 in Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, unheard of for a South African wine. Check out the comments:
ERobert Parker 99/100
Reviewer Neal Martin
August 2011
Just twelve 250ml bottles of this incredibly rare and ancient,Muscat,d’Alexandrie are released from a 100-litre French oak barrel in Klein Karoo that is topped up each year. It has an iridescent clear amber hue with green tints on the rim. The nose is simply stellar: candied orange peel, toffee, apricot and almond soar from the glass and fix you to the spot. The palate is perfectly balanced and fresher than some South African wines two centuries younger! It has a Sauternes-like viscosity but is not cloying like a Tokaji Essenzia. There is a touch of sherbet at the tip of the tongue and then it fans out towards a kaleidoscope of spice, clove, candied fruits and a touch of honey. One can discern an oxidative tang towards the finish that has a touch of volatility. Very long and intense and yet somehow refined and elegant, this is an ethereal experience. Drink now – 2100+. Tasted June 2011.
Another milestone for the local wine industry, I’d day.
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Baie geluk,
Baie dankie dat ek dit kon gedrink het ook
Alwyn, ek het sommer ‘n boksvol. Die wyn is veral lekker met ‘n skyfie suurlemoen en titsel Lemonade.
Well done Cobus, voorwaar ‘n groot prestasie!