Winery - Kumkani
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Clean and taut, with a citrus-floral-herb nose opening to a very dry, minerally mouthfeel. It’s bright, bracing and palate-cleansing, though some might find it sharp-edged. Will shine with shellfish or a salad. Imported by Southern Starz, Inc.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This medium-weight, supple wine stood apart from the other South African Shirazes in its flight for its dark, meaty aromas and flavors. Roast beef-like flavors add coffee and plum notes, then finish crisp. Imported by Southern Starz, Inc.
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Kumkani Shiraz - 2002
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
An outgoing wine well-poised to make friends for South African wine in general. It's tasty, even and stylish, if not that deep. Yes, it could lacks much Cape 'typicity,' if you accept that sort of stuff--and I do. But at at this price, just enjoy the tasty dark fruit, smoke-earth accents and supple feel.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Light and lucid in the glass, with vegetal overtones on the nose and in the mouth. What little dry-apple fruit there is isn’t allowed to show itself. The cucumber quality isn’t helpful. —M.S.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Kumkani means “king” in Xhosa, and this has a rather royal bearing, displaying good depth of fruit and the unique earthiness particular to certain South African reds. The fruit positively shines on the dry, supple palate, picking up earth, game and herb notes. A structured wine, it’s built to last, with solid tannins on the lengthy close. Drink from 2004 to 2006 and beyond. Best Buy. —M.M.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A well-structured wine with fine fruit-acid balance, this has a quite dry dark berry core accented on the nose by smoky oak, anise and tarragon notes. Licorice and leather add palate interest, and firm, drying tannins show on the finish. Dark and handsome, it’s drinkable now, but will be at its best from mid-2003 through 2006. —M.M.
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Kumkani Shiraz - 2000
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
There’s not a lot of fanfare here, just a smooth blend of clove, plum and smoke flavors, but the oak adds texture and it’s more subtle than one would expect from these varieties. There’s a faint feel of juicy fruit but it fades and leaves just toasted oak.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Grassy and herbaceous, this wine is full of gooseberry and green pepper and is an interesting alternative to the tropical fuit flavors of many SBs. The fruit grows in the Helderberg Hills, a coastal area that yields wines with an intense flavor and fuller body. Great for seafood.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Despite 14.5% alcohol, this wine won’t overwhelm you. There are hints of alcohol to the nose, but not enough to overpower plum, spice and sawdust, while the cassis, mixed berry, earth and vanilla flavors are rounded and intense, finishing with a hint of leather.
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Kumkani Pinotage - 2004
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Kumkani offers a very fresh style of Chenin here, with melon, pear and balanced minerality on the palate. There's also a nuance of honey and spice in the wine, which adds complexity. This is a great value and the perfect wine to pair with ethnic Moroccan, Indian or Asian dishes.
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