South Africa has been producing wine since the first vines were planted in the 17th century, brought by the Dutch governors of Cape Colony. Most South African wine is produced in the Western Cape region, a Mediterranean climate heavily influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic and Indian oceans. We will sample:

Terre Brûlée Chenin Blanc 2020 — The Swartland region of South Africa is teeming with winemakers who are landing very old vines (well above 70 years) and making incredible wines as a result. This wine comes from winemakers Tania and Vincent Carême, natives of the Loire, who fell in love with the region and haven't looked back. Dry-farmed, mineral driven and full of delicious character. A seductive texture that coats the palate, offering an intriguing mineral grip that supports notes of yellow plum and melon at the core, with spice and floral accents gliding along the edges. Delivers a long, inviting finish. Drink now through 2029. A few years ago, it was only South African wine on the Wine Spectator top 100, and it perennially gets 90-91 points. No review yet on the brand new 2020, but the 2019 got 90 points. $17.99/$7

Kanonkop Kadette Pinotage 2018 — Pinotage is South Africa's own red grape, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault. Made from the decomposed granite and Hutton soils of Stellenbosch comes this savory and deeply hued Pinotage. Fresh and fruity, with direct aromas of banana, mango, guava, honeydew and cherry bubblegum, all laced with a distinct smoky, sweet spice accent. The palate is light and fruity, with good acidic cut, though the fruity richness presides over the fleshy texture and medium-length finish, which is also graced by more sweet smoke and jammy cherry accents. Tertiary coffee and roasted hazelnut characters add complexity and body. Drinking window: 2020—2027. Rating: 88, Wine Enthusiast. $22.99/$8

Raats Jasper Red Blend 2017 — Established in 2000 and located in the Polkadraai Hills of the Stellenbosch winelands, the Raats Family Wines are specialists in the crafting of wines from two focus varieties: Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc. This Blend is intense and multifaceted on the nose with blackberry, black cherry and bramble in abundance and subtle hints of forest floor, dark chocolate, aniseed and spicy tobacco. Hints of blueberry and blackberry following through onto a balanced, fine grained, velvety palate. The finish lingers with hints of fresh mint, cinnamon and perfume. A different take on the Bordeaux blend, with a high percentage of Cabernet Franc and Malbec, this is complex and intriguing. Great purity of fruit, combined with freshness, leafy characters and some fine tannins. Good acidity to finish. Blend: 48% Cabernet Franc, 36% Malbec, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot. Rating: 93, Decanter. $23.99/$9

PLEASE NOTE: We have returned to the bar for tastings, as was the method pre-COVID. We are honored and humbled to have been very busy during the last bunch of Friday WTs. We have SO enjoyed having a full place again and seeing all of you! Barside tasting is the most efficient and organized way for us to provide tastings at this point. C’mon in when you’re ready, head to the bar/tasting area, and sample away. Be sure to make room for others, chat, and compare notes. Then find a table and continue on with the evening. As always, please select a table that matches your party size so that we can accommodate everyone.

Feel free to bring snacks/dinner with you, but please dispose of your own trash (there is a garbage can at the back entrance of the store). AND, don’t forget the cheese shop, St. Lucio’s Gourmet and Cheese. They are introducing new cheeses regularly. They can pair cheeses for you to enjoy with your wine!!

Thanks y’all, see you Friday!!