2014 De Morgenzon “Maestero” White Wine $29

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Winery Tasting Notes: “The nose shows notes of concentrated orange and yellow stone fruits, with a hint of spice, citrus and blossoms. The palate is full-bodied, textured and nuanced with a lingering after taste.”

Wine Advocate Review (91 pts):  “ The 2014 Maestro White, now in bottle of course, has a lively, slightly grassy bouquet with touches of gunflint developing in the glass. The palate is well balanced with crisp acidity, and there is good fruit intensity with fresh pear and citrus lemon combining nicely with the subtle pepperiness on the finish. This fulfills the potential it was showing last year.”  –Neal Martin

Wine Spectator Review (92 pts): “Solid, offering a big core of yellow apple, anise, white peach and mirabelle plum flavors, backed by enticing honeysuckle and jasmine notes. Has weight and cut, with a minerally underpinning on the finish. Roussanne, Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Viognier. Drink now through 2018. –James Molesworth

Blend: 26% Roussanne, 25% Chardonnay, 19% Grenache Blanc, 17% Chenin Blanc, 13% Viognier
Alcohol Level: 14%
Cases Produced: 264
Winemaker Name: Carl van der Merwe
Maturity: Drink Now – 2022

Pairings:  Poached Lobster/Shellfish, sautéed Chicken, Soft Cheese including Brie, Mascarpone

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – Wow! That’s all I can really say about this wine from De Morgenzon winery out of Stellenbosch, South Africa.  Even though its new to us De Morgenzon first started in 1682 when it was part of the Uiterwyk (“Outer Ward”) one of South Africa’s oldest wine farms.  Purchased in 2003 by Hylton and Wendy Appelbaum, the property was quickly transformed into one of the premier estates for Chenin Blanc / Chardonnay / White Wine in all of South Africa.  Without a doubt, this is currently one of my (if not the) favorite wineries in South Africa.

It all started back in March when we decided to introduce a new program called “Wine Wars” to Carpe Vino’s docket of wine tasting/purchasing events.  While tasting subtle candidates to represent their respected country we found De Morgenzon as the diamond in the rough.  We started with their Reserve Chenin Blanc and liked the wine so much we sold all of the 2014 available (only 5 cases for Northern California) and the proceeded to start selling the 2015 for the event.  From there forward we were decided to grab whatever we could, whenever we could, which is why we have the 91/92 pt rated “Maestro” White Blend which encompasses all the great wines De Morgenzon has to offer.  Rich, velvety smooth, luscious flavors…this wine absolutely will not disappoint you.  I would prefer to let it chill (no pun intended) for about a year-or-so but I don’t know if I can keep my hands off it when it’s in the chill box!  Limited to this club selection only because there were only 9 cases available through our wine importer!  CHEERS!

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