12/03/06 – Livingstone (South Africa) Chenin Colombard 2005

Livingstone (South Africa) Chenin Colombard 2005
Livingstone is a new label, with fruit sourced from the Breede River Valley. The vines for this wine are 8 – 12 years old, and it is 100% tank fermented, with no oak influence. I tasted the range of five Livingstone wines, including a very nice, meally, gently-oaked Chardonnay, a terrifically vibrant Ruby Cabernet and Cinsault blend that almost made wine of the week, and an interesting, but for me less impressive, Pinotage and Viognier blend and late-harvest Muscat. But this little wine won the day, bursting as it is with vibrant, fresh, uncomplicated fruit that is sappy and zesty. It is mouthfilling and has hints of guava and ripe ogen melon, balanced by crisp, refreshing apple acidity. At 3.99 and just 12.5% alcohol this is a lovely quaffer, and a mixed case with my other favourites above (both also 3.99) would make for excellent everyday drinking. Great Grog offer free UK delivery. 3.99 Great grog