Even though we won’t be saying adiós to the first decade of the 21st century for a few weeks, I believe it’s never to early to reminisce — especially when so much has changed across the liquor landscape.
Back in the good old days of 2000, wine’s wave of popularity was tsunami-sized with Australia hanging 10 and South Africa finally up on its board after some bumpy post-apartheid years. Ten years later both countries are treading water as easy-drinking, cheaper juice from South America floods store shelves.
From South Africa comes Boekenhoutskloof’s The Wolftrap 2008 ($13.95 – $14.99): A union of two red grapes (syrah and mourvèdre) and one white (viognier) that’s packed with soft smoky, meaty aromas and balanced flavours of cherry, chocolate and black pepper.
Nugan Estate’s 2007 Cookoothama Chardonnay ($12.99 – $15.99) is a lightly oaked Aussie white with bright, tropical fruit and a hint of herbal spice that, like The Wolftrap, would make nice with next month’s big holiday feast.
