I remember tasting Annexkloof reds a few years back up to 2008, (always purchased their wines, never asked for samples) however never
managed to lists any of their wines and have subsequently not re-tasted their
wines since then, until last Saturday, sadly and bluntly said it is clear their
style have not improve in line with other Swartland producers, i.e they still
shows an overt rustic un precise character, as if it was yesterday I last
tasted their wines, but that was 6 years ago!! this particular Malbec shows
prominent Brettanomyces character, out of balance high alcohol, 14% abv,
masking underlying dark red fruits, with notes of volatile acidity combined
with high total acid, not integrated.
I am afraid based on tasting experienced, I can accept rusticity
to some extent, but this is a faulty red wine, full stop!
The questions is for
how long will the market continue to support such poor winemaking practice?
Especially considering how far and how world class Swartland wines / many producers generally are?!
Surely the top guys in Swartland can give them some support and guidance? I
respectfully have nothing against Annexkloof owners or winemakers, but shoddy
quality like this does no good to brand South Africa / Swartland and jeopardize everyone
hard works out on the fields!
And make our job more complicated to sell wines!
