Elegant, vibrant, tangy.
The Quails' Gate version of this variety is a less potent one, yet equally attractive. The nose exhibits exotic spice with grapefruit, peach and lime with orange blossoms. It's not entirely dry, but it is tangy and vibrant, more linear in its acidity.
Pair: Coconut curry tofu, salad rolls with sweet and spicy sauce, pork and turkey.
©copyright 2016 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 10th, 2016

Racy, classic, crunchy.
The Quails' Gate version of this variety is classic; lychee, rose-scented old cream, crunchy nectarines, exotic spices and lime blossoms. It has a kiss of sweetness but under winemaker Nikki Callaway has dried up a bit in recent vintages. Racy on the plate with crunchy fruit and chamomile tea flavours, which roll back into crunchy nectarines on the finish.
Pair: Coconut curry tofu, salad rolls with sweet and spicy sauce, pork and turkey.
Pairs great with Gone Crackers Undressed.
 
©copyright 2017 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 10th, 2017

Brooding, structure, textural.
Expect aromas of dried violets and cherries, black plums and spiced mocha atop earthy tobacco notes. The palate does out plump purple fruits, espresso, spiced cocoa and leather. Somewhat brooding, it is however balanced and bright with good structure and persistence.
Pair: A wheel of Camembert and crusty bread, grilled meats or hearty mushroom pastas.
©copyright 2019 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 5th, 2019

Textural, ripe, toasted.
Plums and black cherries, vanilla, mint, espresso and tobacco with leathery undertones. The palate offers sweet and ripe fruit, cocoa and toasted oak flavours. It's more textural than smooth with plenty of toasted oak flavours trailing on the finish. Overall good balance but the oak overwhelms the fruit.
Pair: A wheel of Camembert and crusty bread, grilled meats or hearty mushroom pastas.
©copyright 2015 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 22nd, 2015

Plummy, chocolaty, smooth.

Aromas of chocolate covered plums, mocha, molasses, sweet spices, vanilla and mint atop rich dark earth. It is smooth on the entry with a good dose of oak spice layered with black fruits, vanilla, molasses. licorice and bittersweet cocoa. Expect powdery tannins across the finish.
Pair: A wheel of Camembert and crusty bread, grilled meats or hearty mushroom pastas.
©copyright 2015 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 10th, 2015