Platter's Wine Guide 2013 - Brothers Wines 1st Review

Although not a great fan of subjectivity in print, I am very proud of the feedback received late last week from Philip van Zyl, Editor of Platter’s Wine Guide, in review of my current range of wines, all since sold out unfortunately.   The new Platter’s Wine Guide 2013 will be out later this month.

4ê’s for my Shiraz is particularly rewarding given that relatively so few wines achieved this status.  According to the Platter ratings, this is an ‘Excellent’ wine!  The ’09, still young enough to show greater character in a year or two if you’re still lucky to have some in the cellar, judged as 3.5ê’s (Very good/promising).  Only 10 Shiraz’s in the country achieved 5ê’s this year and all amongst full time, highly qualified wine makers, and most at significantly higher prices! 

The 2008 Legacy, still with much cellar ageing potential, received a 3.5ê (Very good/promising) rating, which will only improve in years to come.

The Chardonnay Reserve ‘11, did extremely well, despite being of much higher sugar levels than I would normally like (thanks to higher than usual temperatures prior to picking), the rating is a clear indication that the style and quality is on track as 3.5ê (Very good/promising).  Only 5 Chardonnay’s in the country achieved 5ê’s and again at significantly higher prices. I have little doubt that the 2012 vintage that I’m about to bottle should do even better, more in line with the acclaimed previous Chardonnay vintages.  But more on that later..

Despite my Sauv Blanc style being somewhat a-typical (in traditional Sauv blanc terms), in so far as its reduced acid levels, rounder, softer, tropical nose and smoother flavours; as opposed to the grassy, green peppery, high acid aftertaste so often associated with typical high scoring Sauv blanc, I am pleased with the 3ê (Characterful, appealing) result.  It is after all, a Sauvignon blanc made by a Chardonnay lover.  Despite this being the lowest rating for Brothers Wines, it is clearly still not at a level deserving the addition of ice..  Only 3 Sauv blancs in the country achieved 5ê’s. 

Thank you for all your support over the years, and to those of you who've encouraged me to take this bold step of having my wines exposed to some of the top tasting fraternity of the world.  It’s a bit like having one’s art or beautiful daughter judged by strangers in a contest I suppose.  However what is most important to me still is the personal impressions and feedback I receive from you, and your confirmation of the fact that you have been buying and drinking quality wine of superb value..

Rating System:

5ê         -              Superlative. A South African Classic

4½ê      -              Outstanding

4ê         -              Excellent

3½ê      -              Very good/promising

3ê         -              Characterful, appealing

2½ê      -              Good everyday drinking

2ê         -              Pleasant drinking

1½ê      -              Casual quaffing

1ê         -              Plain and simple

0½ê      -              Very ordinary

0ê         -              Somewhat less than ordinary

Watch this space, you ain’t seen nothing yet!

Cheers