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Welcome, wine enthusiasts! For my first entry, I'm excited to share my thoughts on a delightful dessert wine: the Red Muscadel from Jakkalsvlei. Let's dive right into it.
A bit about the wine: A full bodied dessert wine, deep ruby in colour, with sweet and rich fruit flavours and a soft aftertaste. Enjoy with all desserts and fruit, or with crushed ice and strawberries in the summer.
My review:
First off, let's talk about the colour. The Red Muscadel greets you with a lovely light rose hue that's as inviting as a summer sunset. It promises a crisp, refreshing sip right from the start.
As someone who typically leans towards dry red wines, I was pleasantly surprised with its sweetness – not overwhelming, but just right. It's the kind of sweetness that gently captivates your taste buds without overpowering them. I found that two glasses, preferably chilled, were perfect for a relaxing evening.
What really impressed me was the subtlety of its alcohol content. At 17%, I half-expected a stronger bite, but the Red Muscadel surprised me with its smoothness, even when enjoyed at room temperature.
Now, after a few sips, I did find the sweetness starting to build up. But being someone who loves a good challenge, I decided to experiment. How could I transform this dessert wine into something even more delightful?
I took a quarter glass of Red Muscadel, added half a glass of sparkling water, topped it off with ice cubes, and garnished it with a slice of lemon. The result? A light, slightly sweet sparkling rosé that was not only delicious but also incredibly refreshing. It turned out to be a fantastic twist on the original, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of sparkle in their glass.
So, if you're a dessert wine aficionado, I highly recommend giving the Red Muscadel from Jakkalsvlei a try - it's a wine that surprises and delights, and it's only R135 out of your pocket. Give it a shot and let me know how you enjoy it!
Cheers to discovering new flavours and enjoying the simple pleasures of a good glass of wine.
Story Behind the Label
As the name suggests, Lukas Van Loggerenberg had to undergo two big knee surgeries in our first harvest season as is shown by the leg in a brace on the label and the silhouette of the man plotting his next move. With the help of great friends and family it all came together in the end and this wine is a celebration of hard times overcome. In the same way one wishes a performer to “break a leg”, the name celebrates all the hard work we put in to achieve our goals. The protea on the stamp emphasises our South African heritage while the tortoise symbolises the speed at which Lukas was able to work during that first harvest. The donkey is a tongue-in-cheek reminder of how stubborn Lukas was in not compromising on doing any of the work himself despite not being as mobile as he would have liked.
My Review
Okay, picture this: You crack open a bottle of this wine—yes, the one that’s only R140, which means it’s basically calling your name for all occasions. First thing you get? A whiff of red cherry, some apple, a touch of orange, and a little bit of spice—it's like a mini fruit salad situation, but way classier. Then, when you take a sip, it's juicy, fresh, and almost feels sweet at first, but plot twist—it finishes on this smooth, savoury note.
I have to mention the subtle floral and citrus vibes going on in there. It's light and easy to drink, but also brings in layers of flavour like it's hosting a party in your mouth. There’s even this touch of salinity on the dry finish that keeps things interesting.
But wait, there's more! With 17% Grenache and a bit of oakiness, it adds this spicy-savoury flair that’s both intense and refined. And at just 11.5% alcohol, it’s like the perfect drinking buddy—whether you're starting the night or pairing it with dinner. This wine is low-key classy, but versatile enough for anything from pre-drinks to a fancy meal. It's sassy, but not trying too hard. Cheers!
2022 Baleia Vinho Rochas
2022 Baleia Vinho Rochas
A bit about the wine: An almost equal blend of Syrah and Tempranillo with delicate older oaking ensures its terroir driven characteristics. Vibrant, juicy, and bursting with minerality, this 'Wine from Rock', truly reflects the rocky soils in which its grown.
Our Review: here's what totally caught my eye about this wine - the label. You know when you’re scrolling through Netflix and see something visually wild, like the opening sequence of The White Lotus? Exactly like that. It’s not the kind of vibe you typically get on a wine bottle, which honestly made me stop and think, "Wait, what's going on here?" In a world where every Tom, Dick, and Harry is whipping up craft wines and DIY home brews, you’ve got to get creative, right? This label? Nailed it. It had my attention from go, so obviously, I had to try it. And, well, it cost me just R168, so there was really no saying no.
So, I pop the bottle open, and boom, the first scent hits me: honey. But not the floral honey notes you'd find in mead; this is more like real, raw honey—sweet and pure, like nature served it up on a silver platter. Then, right behind that, this strawberry-apricot jam scent comes through, and let me tell you, it's pungent but in the best way possible. I’m talking nostrils fully invited to the party. It’s warm and cozy, like when you wake up to someone making breakfast, and the smell of toast and jam is in the air. No oakiness, no fancy vintage undertones trying to show off—just a throwback butter-and-jam sandwich vibe. I can’t even begin to explain how good this wine smells. Seriously, I might start wearing it as perfume.
Now, the taste? Buckle up. That first sip is a little whoa, like, you weren’t quite ready for it. But it totally matches the nose, so don’t freak out—it’s a good kind of "whoa." You get this blast of ripe berries mixed with a hint of oak, but the real kicker? It’s fresh, full of flavour, and wonderfully dry. I mean, with how sweet it smells, you’d think it might lean sugary. Not here. It’s all about balance—sweet on the nose, dry on the palate. It’s kind of like that friend who's super sweet but keeps it real when it counts. And the more you sip, the better it gets. This is the kind of wine that’s only going to shine brighter with a little time (if you can manage to wait, unlike me).
The only downside? I didn’t grab a second bottle. Sigh. Lesson learned. Next time, I’m stocking up. You’ll thank yourself later, trust me.
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