After much consideration and contemplation the White Sticks Sips decided to take our blind tasting endeavours on a road show. The first shop:  The Westin Grand Hotel. The concept will be to taste and rate 8 of their wines blindly. To be honest we were prepared to sip our way through the lower range on the wine list, but Ebin, the food and beverage director had different plans.

Before I list my scores I need to mention the location. If you never been to the Westin’s Executive Club for dinner, please go. Its on the 19th floor with absolutely amazing views. The service is, well 5 star and the food match up to the overall wow factor. Although we do not officially score the overall experience I’m going to pitch my 5 cents here.

Overall Experience: 19/20
The service was great, the wines were amazing and the canapés were just a small insight as to what to expect from this establishment if you wish to stay over.

Tasting Scores

1. Klein Constantia Sauvignon Blanc ’08 - 15/20
2. Bouchard Finlayson Kaaimansgat Chardonnay ’08 - 15/20
3. Hamilton Russell Chardonnay ’08 - 16/20
4. Kumkani VVS Viognier/Verdehlo/Sauvignon Blanc ’05 – 18/20
5. Kanonkop Paul Sauer ’05 - 15/20
6. Veenwouden Merlot ’05 - 16/20
7. Thelema The Mint Cabernet Sauvignon ’05 - 17/20
8. Radford Dale Shiraz ’04 - 18/20

Overall Tasting Experience – 16.25

To view the panel’s overall scores hop over the http://whitesticksips.winetimes.co.za/