Monis Muscadel 2001

Monis Muscadel took centre stage yet again at Veritas 2009, the definitive South African wine awards, clinching both a Double Gold with the 2001 vintage and Gold for the 2004 vintage medal.

And am I surprised – hell no!

Earlier in the year it had taken the Trophy for Best Fortified Dessert Wine (Red) at the 2009 Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show and a Platinum award by the South African Muscadel Association, so the Veritas gongs were more than half expected.

Monis cellarmaster Dirkie Christowitz is a dark horse and unheralded in his cellar in Paarl where he also makes a range of Ciders for Distell.

The wine is a full sweet Red Muscadel from vineyards in the Breede River Valley. Matured for five years in 500 litre old French oak barrels, the wine has the colour of amber with red flashes.

Delicious Muscat on the nose and heavy aromatic whiffs of raisins and moist Christmas cake complete with its spices and marzipan topping. Lovely lemon and orange flower water undertones can be found there as well.

Velvety on the tongue, the oaking is evident and there is a touch of chocolate and mocha there too.

It’s a steal at R55 a pop – chill it really well, but don’t add ice as it will dilute it and the pleasure of drinking it!