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Lubanzi Chenin Blanc 2016

Lubanzi Chenin Blanc 2016

Here’s a wine with a philanthropic twist. With the pledge to give back 50% of the profits to the hands that made it, Lubanzi is a relatively new brand—conceived of, and launched by two friends who met while studying abroad as exchange students at the University of Cape Town. Their first release, a 100% Chenin […]

Simonsig Tiara 2010

Simonsig Tiara 2010

A smoldering Bordeaux-blend, the 2010 Simonsig Tiara is a gripping tale—with rising, writhing notes of singed black cherries, mulberries, and blackberries couched in gamey, meatier tones of bacon fat, creosote, scorched earth, and wind-blown dust. It’s terroir-driven, an expression that can only be South African—that captivating wildness that explodes and yet, has a kind of […]

Lubanzi Red Blend 2015

Lubanzi Red Blend 2015

This is a new brand—yet to be released, and one that I see as part of the growing trend combining wine and philanthropy. Cape Venture was founded by two young men who fell in love with South Africa’s rugged wine scene. They have pledged to give 50% of the winery’s profits to back the Pebbles […]

Quinta Essentia Chenin Blanc 2015

Quinta Essentia Chenin Blanc 2015

A surprise wine, tasted while visiting Betz Family Winery—sold in 2011 to Steve and Bridgit Griessel, a South African couple. In light of the unique partnership between the two families, such a collaboration is possible. The Quinta Essentia Chenin Blanc quivers with decadent aromas of baked yellow apple, banana chips, dried pineapple, lemon curd, orange […]

CHRISTINE HAVENS
McMinnville, OR

christine@christine-havens.com