ABS wines in the September 2020 Decanter issue
ABS Wine Agencies, Mon 03 Aug 2020
Villa Wolf Pinot Noir, Pfalz, Germany 2017
87 Points
Tinned strawberries and woodsmoke characterise this Pfalz Pinot from the Loosen stable. It shows a bit of age but retains firmish tannin and a fresh line on the palate. Decent Value. Alc 12.5%
Dönnhoff Oberhäuser Leistenberg Riesling Kabinett, Nahe Germany 2016
94 Points
Is there a more perfect summer wine than this? It's thrilling combinaton of ethereal grace with steely tension is hard to better - a ballet dance of a wine, underpinned by vivid green-apple acidity suffused with fleshy succulence typical of great kabinett wines. Dönnhoff's emphasis on purity and presision shines through, as does the Leistenberg vineyard's minerality and elegance. Alc 9%
David Finlayson, Stellenbosch 2018
94 Points
David Finlayson's father Walt helped develop such well-known properties as Blaauwklippen, Glen Carlou and Hartenberg, while uncle Peter played a leading role in the establishment of Bouchard Finlayson. This wine consists of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc, grapes sourced from various vineyards around Stellenbosch. The nose shows red and black fruit, some floral perfume and dried herbs, while the palate is medium-bodied with nice drinkability. Alc 14.1%
Tokara Reserve Collection, Stellenbosch 2017
93 Points
Acquired by businessman and banker GT Ferreira in 1994, Tokara is one of South Africa's most successful wineries. In this 2017 vintage, Mile Mossop was still in postto handle vinification, while his replacement Stuart Botha (ofEagles' Nest until 2018) would have seen the wine into bottle. The result is a very stylish affair: Full-bodied but beautifully balanced. 14.9%