2013 TOKARA Directors Blend White

4g

I had the opportunity to visit some wineries during our stay in South Africa.  David and Nicole had a free Saturday and wanted to join Chris and me.  David had some wineries he wanted to visit so he took the lead. TOKARA was one of three wineries we visited that day.

Entering the estate you could see right away the owner has spent some money.  TOKARA is a picture perfect destination which offers visitors a unique combination of award-winning wines, brandy and olive oils, a gallery of fine art, a restaurant featuring one of South Africa’s leading chefs as well as a delicatessen.  The TOKARA farm was purchased in 1994 by GT Ferreira for residential purposes, but it wasn’t long before the great potential for planting vineyards was recognised and explored. Classic varietals were planted on the 400m above sea-level slopes. The cool air and low temperatures contribute to the excellent quality of TOKARA Wines.

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The wall displays the TOKARA olive oil and the various soils the grape vines are growing in.

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David and Bill checking out today’s tasting menu.

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The winery facility is state of the art.

Overall, the wines were really good.  We tried the following wines that day.

2015 Sauvignon Blanc – 3 Glasses
2013 Directors Bland – 4 Glasses
2013 Directors Reserve Chardonnay – 4 Glasses
2012 Grenache – 2 Glasses
2012 Directors Reserve Red – 3 Glasses
2015 Rose of Grenache – 3 Glasses. We bought a bottle for lunch at the estate restaurant.

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Sight
Pale color depth with a gold hue.

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Smell
Young-fruity with moderate aromas of citrus, passion fruit, and minerals.

Taste
Dry, medium body with lively acidity.  Crisp, complex and a refreshingly long finish.  Great mouthfeel from the oak maturation (fermented in oak barrel).

ABV: 14.0%

How much: R240 ($16 US).

Region/Appellation:  Cape Town, Stellenbosch

Blend:  71% Sauvignon Blanc, 29% Semillon

I really like Bordeaux style white wines.  I rated the 2013 TOKARA Directors Blend White four glasses.

Life is too short to drink crappy wine.  Expand your palate and keep trying.

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