B Vintners from Walker Bay

91
B Vintners 2015 Chardonnay Fire Heath Walker Bay 13%
Unusually aromatic with an almost a Muscat-like nose, I almost wish it hadn't known its grape variety when I first tasted it. This is a somewhat perplexing, but not at all displeasing, Chardonnay. Rather, it’s incredibly compelling. Into Day 2, this striking nose persisted. Then, as the wine warmed and the bottle level receeded, those piquant star fruit and yuzu notes gradually lessened and a more leesy and lactic note came forward. At 5.5 years old, this seems to be peaking while still holding onto some of its sweet, youthful fruit. Roasted hazelnuts and buttery pastry slide into the wholesome, mouthfilling finish that kicks up a refreshing acidity and a delightfully salty minerality that lingers persistently.
Drink: 2020-22

88
B Vintners 2016 Pinot Noir Black Bream Walker Bay 2016 12.5%
Giving a nod to South Africa's national fish, "safeguarded by the rugged coastline's inaccessible waters", the "B" vintners, Gavin Bruwer and Bruwer Raats have produced a very elegant, cool climate Pinot. Considering the chilly terroir where the Pinot Noir grows, this certainly is lean Pinot. It can be seen in the pale Craisin color with an orange-y hue. The initially scented, Pinot-y perfume turns heady about an hour after a bottle has been opened. Autumn flavors dominate with burnt orange rind, savory spice, pomegrantate, dried mulberry and fading rose petals creating a fascinating aromatic array. The mildly lingering, spicy finish with slightly drying tannins and a vaguely pithy finish work best with food, especially as this is such a light-bodied and lower alcohol wine. 
Drink: 2020-22