Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/580744
{ SOMMjournal.com } 75 producers would have preferred. 2013 was similar to 2011 and both 2014 and 2015 were "more compacted." Ultimately though, he stressed the importance of enjoying these wines with food. "That's why we added restaurants to our property— we encourage people to eat when they visit us." He further emphasized the idea of "experimenting" whenever out to din - ner—that presumably a party of four might order two bottles and that the first bottles should always be something never tried before—and that is where he hopes con - sumers will gravitate toward South African wines. "It's important for us to share our wines and more importantly for you to understand our vision from 15,000 miles away," Engelbrecht said, with sincere thanks to all those who attended. In closing he cited one main reason that South African wines have been increasing in both volume and quality: "In the late 2000s we had an influx of a whole new generation of young winemakers with international palates focused on site-specific planting, and that has really helped us—we've been given a second chance to show the kind of wines and quality that can come from South Africa." Protea 2014 Chenin Blanc, Western Cape Pear, citrus and honey- suckle aromas with crisp and lively nectarine and apricot flavors fleshed out by a gentle fullness that adds an extra dimension as well as length. Guardian Peak 2013 Shiraz, Western Cape Red berries, white pepper, dusty and spicy, round and intensely floral, subtle savory notes, meaty, superbly fine-grained tannins. Rust en Vrede 2013 Merlot, Stellenbosch Plum-skin on the nose, silky on the palate, red raspberry, ripe plum, earthy, savory spices and herbs, bright minerality. Rust en Vrede 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch Blackberry, graphite, sweet oak, earthy, savory, sagebrush and mocha on the finish. Anthonij Rupert 2009 Cabernet Franc, Franschhoek Strong meaty aromas, decaying floral notes, tobacco leaf, velvety tannins, smoked meat, long earthy finish. Anthonij Rupert 2010 Optima, Western Cape Violets and a dusty quality on the nose, juicy, superfine tannins, rich dark berry fruit, licorice and tobacco. Ernie Els 2011 Signature, Stellenbosch Gritty tannins, red and black fruit mingle with elegant rose petal notes on a lingering finish. Rust en Vrede 2011 Estate, Stellenbosch Fruit forward on nose and palate, spicy, soft, creamy tannins, black and blueberry fruit, noticeable mineral character. Rust en Vrede 2009 "1694 Classification," Stellenbosch Lofty spice notes, hay, mocha, espresso, smoky and meaty, roasted tomato, iron-like mineral and red fruit, muscular tannins, long, spicy finish. Rust en Vrede 2010 "1694 Classification," Stellenbosch Black and red fruit, crushed violets, peppery, muscular tannins, mocha and espresso notes. Rust en Vrede 2011 "1694 Classification," Stellenbosch Blackberry fruit and black pepper on the nose, powerful, gripping tannins, robust fruit and spice on the palate, generous chalk-like minerality—a very young wine. Tasting Notes John Rielly, Fine Wine Development Manager, Terlato Wines; Meridith May, The SOMM Journal; Craig Henriksen, CA Regional Manager, Terlato Wines; and Jean Engelbrecht.