Yesterday, Brian and Marion Smith, the English couple who own Elgin Ridge, presented a vertical tasting of all vintages of their Sauvignon Blanc to date, a fascinating insight into how a winemaking vision evolves over time. Brian Smith says he finds too many local examples of Sauvignon Blanc excessively green and acidic and is trying […]
Elgin Ridge is owned by Brian and Marion Smith, he attending to winemaking and she to the vineyards, the “MV” designation of this maiden vintage Méthode Cap Classique standing for “Marion’s Vineyards”. The Elgin Ridge wines taste wonderfully idiosyncratic, none more so than this bubbly. A blend of 83% Pinot Noir and 17% Chardonnay, it […]
The Sauvignon Blanc 2012 from Elgin Ridge retains the winning quirkiness while simultaneously losing some of the rough edges of previous vintages. No exaggerated aromatics but Golden Delicious apples, green melon and an intriguing hint of spice on the palate. Total acidity is 6.7g/l but you’d never guess – nine months on the lees adds […]
I’m inclined to give many organic grown wines a sympathy vote, which is to say overlook mediocre quality on account of the worthy intentions of the producer. No need for that in the case of Elgin Ridge (certified as of the 2012 vintage). Brian and Marion Smith sold their IT business based in southwest London […]
Last night a meeting of our social tasting group, the theme of the evening Chardonnay. Two flights, the first featuring unwooded examples, the second wooded. We tasted blind and here’s how I scored the wines using the 20-point system. Flight one 1. Domaines des Malandes Chablis 2009 16/20 2.= Domaine William Fevre Montée de Tonnerre […]
Get the biggest stories of the past fortnight sent directly to your inbox.
Wine magazine was published from October 1993 until September 2011 & now lives on in digital form as Winemag.co.za. We cover everything to do with SA fine wine.