Paso Robles via South Africa

Before I regale you with tales of my adventures in Southern and Central California during the last few days, I want to share a bit about a few wines I tasted with friends.

While Paso Robles was the obvious spotlight for this weekend, I brought along some decidedly non-Paso wines that I felt may have been past their prime.  I figured that since I was going to be with “wine people,” this would be the perfect opportunity to share and get their opinions on the ageability (although accidental) of these wines.  The wines were 2000 Lanzerac Pinotage, 2000 Warwick Three Cape Ladies, and 1999 Cape View Pinotage, all South African, all Stellenbosch.

My previous experiences with the Lanzerac Pinotage were pretty standard in comparison to other people’s, apparently.  “This is wine?!?”  I had judged it as a big, smoky, bacon-y, spicy, pugilistic bruiser of a wine, with body and a don’t-mess-with-me attitude.  Not for wimps.

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Wines of South Africa

I have been asked many times which region is my favorite outside of the United States.

Everybody loves French wines , even if they don’t love - or even particularly like - the French. Same here. I enjoy wines of Italy and Spain as well. German whites are the best way to begin to develop a palate if a neophyte doesn’t understand the nuances of wines. My passion for New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is no secret, and Australian Shirazes are powerful and rich in fruit. South America can’t go unmentioned - can we say Torrontes!! - and Canadian icewines are fun and delicious. And some are even affordable. So which is my favorite?

None of the above.

My favorite non-USA wines are from South Africa .

South Africa?!? Nobody makes wine in AFRICA!! Really? Prepare to be informed!

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