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Neil Pendock's Five Heart Heroes.
 


Neil Pendock's Five Heart Heroes
31 October 2012  by Neil Pendock
A Halloween present to hard-pressed SA wine producers.  147 five-heart wines, the distillation of three weeks tasting around the Winelands with my Portuguese wineheart Aníbal Coutinho.  
All wines were made from grapes grown in the appellation (as far as we know).  Nobody paid us and we tasted all 2000+ of them blind.  

These were our favourites.

1. Allée Bleue Shiraz 2010 from Franschhoek.
2. Allesverloren Tinta Barocca 2009 from the Swartland.
3. Almenkerk Chardonnay 2011 from Elgin.
4. Altydgedacht The Ollo White Blend 2011 from Durbanville.
5. Alvi’s Drift Chardonnay 2011 from Breedekloof.
6. Annexkloof Red Blend 2007 from the Swartland.
7. Annexkloof SMG Red Blend 2010 from the Swartland.
8. Arendsig Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 from Robertson.
9. Ashbourne Sandstone White Blend 2007 from Hemel & Aarde.
10. Avondrood Shiraz 2009 from Breedekloof.
11. Axe Hill Machado Red Blend 2011 from the Klein Karoo.
12. Bellpost Shiraz 2008 from Namaqualand.
13. Bergsig The Family Friend Red Blend 2011 from Breedekloof.
14. Boland Five Climates Chenin Blanc 2012 from Paarl.
15. Boplaas Cape Tawny Port 1995 from the Klein Karoo.
16. Bosman Optenhorst Chenin Blanc 2009 from Wellington.
17. Bosman Optenhorst Chenin Blanc 2011 from Wellington.
18. Brennaissance King of Clubs Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from Stellenbosch.
19. Cederberg Five Generations Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from the Cederberg.
20. Chamonix Chardonnay 2011 from Franschhoek.
21. Chamonix Pinot Noir 2010 from Franschhoek.
22. Constantia Uitsig Sémillon 2011 from Constantia.
23. Constantia Uitsig White 2011 from Constantia.
24. D’Aria Red Blend 2010 from Durbanville.
25. Darling Cellars Lime Kilns White Blend 2010 from Darling.
26. De Grendel Merlot 2009 from Durbanville.
27. De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve 2008 from the Klein Karoo.
28. De Toren Fusion V Red Blend 2010 from Stellenbosch.
29. De Toren Z Red Blend 2010 from Stellenbosch.
30. De Trafford Chenin Blanc 2011 from Stellenbosch.
31. De Trafford Shiraz 2010 from Stellenbosch.
32. De Wetshof Finesse Chardonnay 2010 from Robertson.
33. Deetlefs Hanepoot 2009 from Breedekloof.
34. Diemersfontein Carpe Diem Malbec 2010 from Wellington.
35. Diemersfontein Viognier 2011 from Wellington.
36. Domaine des Dieux Chardonnay 2010 from Hemel & Aarde.
37. Domaine des Dieux Red Blend 2010 from Hemel & Aarde.
38. Druk My Niet Invictus Red Blend 2009 from Paarl.
39. Eagle’s Cliff Arendskloof Pinot Grigio 2012 from Breedekloof.
40. Eagle’s Nest Little Eagle Red Blend 2010 from Constantia.
41. Eagle’s Nest Verreaux Red Blend 2009 from Constantia.
42. Esona Shiraz 2010 from Robertson.
43. Fairview Beacon Shiraz 2009 from Paarl.
44. Fairview Eenzaamheid Shiraz 2010 from Paarl.
45. Fairview Nurok White Blend 2011 from Paarl.
46. Fairview Primo Pinotage 2010 from Paarl.
47. Gabrielskloof Five Arches Red Blend 2008 from Bot River.
48. Gabrielskloof The Blend Red Blend 2010 from Bot River.
49. Gabrielskloof Viognier 2010 from Bot River.
50. Glen Carlou Grand Classique Red Blend 2009 from Paarl.
51. Glen Carlou Gravel Quarry Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from Paarl.
52. Glen Carlou Quartz Stone Chardonnay 2010 from Paarl.
53. Goedvertrouw Pinot Noir 2009 from Bot River.
54. Graham Beck Cuvée Clive 2007 from Robertson.
55. Graham Beck MCC Rosé 2009 from Robertson.
56. Graham Beck The Ridge Syrah 2009 from Robertson.
57. Grand vin de Glenelly Chardonnay 2011 from Stellenbosch.
58. Grande Provence Red Blend 2007 from Franschhoek.
59. Groote Post Pinot Noir 2009 from Darling.
60. Guardian Peak Lapa Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from Stellenbosch.
61. Guardian Peak SMG Red Blend 2010 from Stellenbosch.
62. Haut Espoir Shiraz 2006 from Franschhoek.
63. Jacques Bruére Cuveé Rosé 2006 from Robertson.
64. Jordan Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2010 from Stellenbosch.
65. Jordan Nine Yards Chardonnay 2011 from Stellenbosch.
66. Jordan The Outlier Sauvignon Blanc 2009 from Stellenbosch.
67. Kanonkop Pinotage 2010 from Stellenbosch.
68. Karusa Terre Noire Shiraz 2011 from the Klein Karoo.
69. Kasteelberg Chenin Blanc 2010 from the Swartland.
70. Klein Constantia Perdeblokke Sauvignon Blanc 2010 from Constantia.
71. Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2007 from Constantia.
72. Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from Stellenbosch.
73. Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from Stellenbosch.
74. La Vierge Pinot Noir 2010 from Hemel & Aarde.
75. La Vigne Shiraz 2007 from Franschhoek.
76. Landau du Val Sémillon 2008 from Franschhoek.
77. Lanzerac le General Red Blend 2008 from Stellenbosch.
78. Lemberg Surin Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from Tulbagh.
79. Lothian Vineyards Chardonnay 2011 from Elgin.
80. Lutzville Diamond Collection Chenin (wood) 2011 from Namaqualand.
81. Lutzville Diamond Collection Shiraz 2010 from Namaqualand.
82. Major’s Hill Shiraz 2008 from Robertson.
83. Meerendal Chenin Blanc Natural Sweet 2009 from Durbanville.
84. Mellasat Chardonnay 2010 from Paarl.
85. Mellasat Tuinwyn Chenin Blanc Straw Wine 2010 from Paarl.
86. Merwida Sauvignon Blanc 2012 from Breedekloof.
87. Mimosa Shiraz 2011 from Robertson.
88. Mont du Toit Mont du Toit Red Blend 2007 from Wellington.
89. Morgenhof Red Blend 2005 from Stellenbsoch.
90. Morgenster White Blend 2011 from Stellenbosch.
91. Namaqua Wines Spencer Bay Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from Namaqualand.
92. Nicolas Charles Krone Marque I from Tulbagh.
93. Oak Valley Chardonnay 2011 from Elgin.
94. Oak Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from Elgin.
95. Oldenburg Cabernet Franc 2009 from Stellenbosch.
96. Oldenburg Vineyards Chardonnay 2011 from Stellenbosch.
97. Oldenburg Vineyards Chenin Blanc 2011 from Stellenbosch.
98. Ormonde Ondine Cabernet Franc 2008 from Darling.
99. Palesa Chenin Blanc 2012 from Breedekloof.
100. Paul Cluver Riesling NLH 2011 from Elgin.
101. Prospect Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from Robertson.
102. Pulpit Rock Shiraz 2009 from the Swartland.
103. Rhebokskloof Red Blend 2010 from Paarl.
104. Rickety Bridge Chardonnay 2011 from Franschhoek.
105. Rickety Bridge Sémillon 2008 from Franschhoek.
106. Riebeek Cellars Rosé 2012 from the Swartland.
107. Rietvallei Classic Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 from Robertson.
108. Rietvallei Classic Estate Pinot Noir 2010 from Robertson.
109. Rietvallei Special Select Esteanna Red Blend 2009 from Robertson.
110. Rijk’s Touch of Oak Chenin Blanc 2010 from Tulbagh.
111. Rust en Vrede 1694 Classification Red Blend 2007 from Stellenbosch.
112. Rust en Vrede Estate Red Blend 2009 from Stellenbosch.
113. Rust en Vrede Shiraz 2010 from Stellenbosch.
114. Rust en Vrede Single Vineyard Shiraz 2009 from Stellenbosch.
115. Rustenberg Five Soldiers Chardonnay 2010 from Stellenbosch.
116. Rustenberg Peter Barlow Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from Stellenbosch.
117. Saxenburg Private Collection Merlot 2009 from Stellenbosch.
118. Shannon Vineyards Mount Bullet Merlot 2010 from Elgin.
119. Shannon Vineyards Rockview Ridge Pinot Noir 2011 from Elgin.
120. Sir Lambert Sauvignon Blanc 2012 from Namaqualand.
121. Spioenkop “1900” Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from Elgin.
122. Springfield Methode Ancienne Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 from Robertson.
123. Springfield Methode Ancienne Chardonnay 2009 from Robertson.
124. Stark-Condé Oude Nektar Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from Stellenbosch.
125. Stark-Condé Three Pines Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from Stellenbosch.
126. Sumaridge Maritimus White Blend 2010 from Hemel & Aarde.
127. Swartland Winery Bush Vines Shiraz 2010 from the Swartland.
128. The Berrio Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from Elim.
129. Thelema Rabelais Red Blend 2008 from Stellenbosch.
130. Thelema Reserve Merlot 2009 from Stellenbosch.
131. Thelema Sutherland Red Blend 2009 from Elgin.
132. Thelema The Mint Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from Stellenbosch.
133. Veenwouden Classic Red Blend 2009 from Paarl.
134. Veenwouden Merlot 2011 from Paarl.
135. Villiera Monro Brut 2007 from Stellenbosch.
136. Vrede en Lust Artisan Chenin Blanc 2011 from Elgin.
137. Vrede en Lust Barrique White Blend 2011 from Elgin.
138. Waboomsrivier Arborea Red Blend 2010 from Breedekloof.
139. Warwick Trilogy Red Blend 2009 from Stellenbosch.
140. Waterkloof Circle of Life White Blend 2011 from Stellenbosch.
141. Waterkloof Circumstance Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from Stellenbosch.
142. Waterkloof Circumstance Chenin Blanc 2011 from Stellenbosch.
143. Webersburg Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from Stellenbosch.
144. Wildekrans Reserve Pinotage 2010 from Bot River.
145. Wildekrans Shiraz 2009 from Bot River.
146. Windfall Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 from Robertson.
147. Yonder Hill Merlot 2009 from Stellenbosch.

"Full tasting notes as well as our terroir top ten of everything and more will be available in Neil Pendock's Winelands Guide 2013 next month." 
 
This article has been read 5985 times.

Sad state of affairs Blinded - 01 November 2012
Released at the same time as the Platter 5 Star shows that Mr Pendock's ongoing difference with Platter continues to distort his opinion of sighted tastings, without consideration to track record or wine making philosophy, as he dashes around the winelands blindly tasting wines at a furious rate. I can't help but agree with Jamie Goode.
Sad state of affairs Blinded - 01 November 2012
Released at the same time as the Platter 5 Star shows that Mr Pendock's ongoing difference with Platter continues to distort his opinion of sighted tastings, without consideration to track record or wine making philosophy, as he dashes around the winelands blindly tasting wines at a furious rate. I can't help but agree with Jamie Goode.
Blind Trolls Neil Pendock - 01 November 2012
Dear Blinded

What a pity you don't have the guts to sign your own name.

As for Goode's opinion of our favourites, I seriously doubt if he has tasted many of the wines we liked, so his comments (whatever they are) are pretty irrelevant.
Well done to Neil and Anibal Dale - 01 November 2012
It was about time someone exposed Platter and their shennanigans. This list is way more believable than the Platter list of Swartland oxidized horrors.
each and every winery? SANDRA - 03 November 2012
Dear Neill, Can you plse explain to me how this blind tasting worked? Did you ask for wine to be submitted, or did you go to each and every winecellar and asked to taste their wines blind/? Did you go to the cellers, buy/sorce the wine and taste them all blind in one go. Were all cellers visited? I am asking , because I miss a few excellent wines. I have only been tasting wine for afew years, while you have been doing it for much longer, but it is wines you sung the praises of and I agreed when I tasted them. I will refrain from mentioning any, as i have not tasted them blind and may be biased. I bow to your superior knowledge, but still need you to confirm that you tasted every wine in SA, as the Platter gGuide is open to all, and a heart cannot be compared to a star unless the hearts were also open to all
Tasting methodology Neil Pendock - 03 November 2012
Hi Sandra

We asked all the wine routes to arrange blind tastings of wines made from grapes grown in their appellation and they all did. They approached individual producers who supplied wines which were tasted blind at the wine routes offices. There was no entry fee and all producers were free to enter.

Many producers do not enter Platter as its is tasted sighted, a methodology many producers think is unfair.

Regards
Tasting methodology Neil Pendock - 03 November 2012
Hi Sandra

We asked all the wine routes to arrange blind tastings of wines made from grapes grown in their appellation and they all did. They approached individual producers who supplied wines which were tasted blind at the wine routes offices. There was no entry fee and all producers were free to enter.

Many producers do not enter Platter as its is tasted sighted, a methodology many producers think is unfair.

Regards
?? Bonnie - 03 November 2012
What say you? I would also like to know
THANK YOU Sandra - 03 November 2012
Thank you, Neil
Learning all the way. Did not know all wineries were affiliated to wine routes.Surely not the Plettenberg Bay wineries and the one in Queenstown, they are sort of on their own. I have no further problem with your list, am busy comparing it to the platter stars. I do take exception though to Dale's comment on Swartland oxidised horrors. Even you will agree that good wines come from Swartland (Eben Sadie???) and you have one on your list as well, and afew that narrowly missed it, I am sure. Sighted tasting might not be the norm or the best method, but to give 5 stars to an oxidised wine? If Dale had the misfortune of happening accross an oxidised wine from Swartland, its his bad luck. It does not mean all wines coming from Swartland is oxidised and unworthy of a good rating, be it heart or star.Allways enlightening and entertaining to read your views, mr Pendock.
Bonnie, vra vir Sandra, nou toe! Mieta - 04 November 2012
Bonnie, vra vir Sandra, nou toe!
Waterkloof Lourens - 05 November 2012
Waterkloof, Stellenbosch or Somerset West?

Cheers
Somerset West is in Setllenbosch Fafa - 06 November 2012
Lourens, word wakker! Vir wyn beamptes, Somerset West is deel van Stellenbosch and Tulbagh is langs die see.
Sir Lowry's Pass Sandra - 06 November 2012
As julle nou wil hare kloof, Lourens en Faffa, dan se ek Waterkloof is in Sir Lowry's Pass.
Does anybody know if the 'out-side the winelands' areas have wineroutes , for instance Plet or the ones in Prince Albert? (Waterberg, I think is there. - not Waterkloof)
Sir Lowry's Pass Sandra - 06 November 2012
As julle nou wil hare kloof, Lourens en Faffa, dan se ek Waterkloof is in Sir Lowry's Pass.
Does anybody know if the 'out-side the winelands' areas have wineroutes , for instance Plet or the ones in Prince Albert? (Waterberg, I think is there. - not Waterkloof)
Sir Lowry's Pass Sandra - 06 November 2012
As julle nou wil hare kloof, Lourens en Faffa, dan se ek Waterkloof is in Sir Lowry's Pass.
Does anybody know if the 'out-side the winelands' areas have wineroutes , for instance Plet or the ones in Prince Albert? (Waterberg, I think is there. - not Waterkloof)
Sir Lowry's Pass Sandra - 06 November 2012
As julle nou wil hare kloof, Lourens en Faffa, dan se ek Waterkloof is in Sir Lowry's Pass.
Does anybody know if the 'out-side the winelands' areas have wineroutes , for instance Plet or the ones in Prince Albert? (Waterberg, I think is there. - not Waterkloof)


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