Value, ripe, honeyed.
Made not in the traditional method as Champagne but in a method called methode transvasee, which transfers it from bottle to tank and back again.
A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Rhine Riesling it is aged for over one year to add complexity. Expect very ripe aromas of wild honey, musk melon, stone fruits and some toasted, leesy undertones. The palate follows suit with intense honeyed flavours layered with stone fruits and orange blossom water.
Good complexity for the price.
Pair: salmon tartar, Sushi, and fried seafood, salty snacks, creamy cheeses.
©copyright 2015 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 9th, 2015

Value, smooth, chocolate.
The La Puerta wines all offer very good value. This vintage, the Malbec has strong succulent meaty tones, grilled herbs, leather, tobacco and iodine alongside sweeter notes of blackberries, red grapes, sweet spices and floral. The palate is smooth, sweet and approachable. Flavours of berries, espresso and vanilla lead to a cocoa finish.
Solid, easy drinking.
Pair: Meat-centric meals or hearty casseroles, pastas, pizza or stews.

©copyright 2015 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - March 13th, 2015

Creamy, slick, golden.
Named for the beautifully preserved 21 Cape Dutch Gables on the Spier wine farm the 21 Gables series consists of 4 wines, including this oaked Chenin Blanc. Grown on dry-farmed 35-year-old vines (average age) located within 15km from the ocean in hills of Tygerberg, it was fermented in mixed sized French oak and then matured 14 months in barrel, 60% new, 40% second fill.
It has an bright yellow hue and aromas dominated by spiced oak and grilled lemons, then yellow apples, wet straw, clay and matchstick. The palate is citrus-forward and juicy with bold green oak and spice flavours. The finish is persistent.
I feel the oak overwhelms this vintage.
©copyright 2022 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 7th, 2022

Creamy, slick, golden.
Named for the beautifully preserved 21 Cape Dutch Gables on the Spier wine farm the 21 Gables series consists of 4 wines, including this oaked Chenin Blanc. Grown on dry-farmed 35-year-old vines (average age) located within 15km from the ocean it was fermented in mixed sized French oak and then matured 14 months in barrel, 60% new, 40% second fill.
It has an electric yellow hue and aromas of wild honey and warm peaches, golden apples, grilled lemon, brown spice and smoked almonds. Creamy and weighted it is slick and intense; golden fruits, toast, and spice flavours dominate. The finish is long and balanced.
©copyright 2021 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 27th, 2021

Complex. supple, plush.
From Stellenbosch's prolific and historic producer Spier, this robust Cabernet doles out plush aromas of sweet cherries, vanilla, licorice, baking spice, toasted oak and graphite. Generous ripe black current flavours are layered with leather, tobacco, spiced cocoa and espresso flavours. Complex yet approachable, this is a supple and delicious red.
©copyright 2020 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 3rd, 2020