NV Graham Beck Brut NV
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Tasting notes
The NV Brut is bright, fresh and citrus driven, starting with an undercurrent of Meyer lemon, underripe green and yellow apples and hints of toasted almonds. Medium-bodied, the Brut offers a brilliant mid-palate that delivers a clean finish with a refined, commercial appeal that overdelivers for its category. Drink well chilled.
Critic scores
Average Score
Tamlyn Currin, jancisrobinson.com
Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
This was the wine used at Mandela’s inauguration. Roughly 50% Chardonnay (grown on Robertson limestone soils), 50% Pinot Noir; 6–12% reserve wine (from a solera reserve). No malo. Minimum 18 months on lees (lockdown gave them an extra three months on lees.) The disgorgement date on the back label (bravo, Graham Beck) says August 2020. Lovely fresh apple and strawberries smell. Clean, pure, fresh fruit. Crunchy, crisp, ripe gold and green apples. Great aperitif wine. Has that quality of beauty in simplicity. (TC)
The current offering of the NV Brut is a blend of 51% Chardonnay and 49% Pinot Noir. The nose is correct but lacks the layers that others in the range. There is a spiciness to the wine that must be from the Pinot. The wine is medium-bodied, fresh and clean on the palate, with classic green apple and lemon expressions with subtle hints of a leesy nuttiness. It has a somewhat complex mouthfeel that will please a crowd. This spent 15 to 18 months on the lees before being disgorged. Just over a quarter of a million bottles were made.