From: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Price: $12
Serve with: White-fleshed fish, shellfish
The joys of youth in wine! It's always a pleasure to recommend the first grown-up (non-nouveau) wine of the vintage. Chenin blanc is South Africa's premier white grape, and this is an exceptionally well-made version. In contrast to many wines from this varietal, it's quite dry, but with a floral nose that creates the impression of sweetness. It delivers pure, racy flavors with hints of cherry, apple, melon and citrus fruit. This would be excellent for drinking on its own at holiday parties.
--Michael Dresser, The Baltimore Sun