Black Elephant Vintners, Western Cape (South Africa) Cap Classique Brut NV ($44, Well Crafted Wine & Beverage Co)

Black Elephant Vintners & Co. was founded in 2011 by Kevin Swart, Raymond Ndlovu, and Jacques Wetnzel after all three left their previous jobs to start their own winery. Collectively, they consider themselves misfits of the wine industry. Their wines have always impressed me. This Method Cap Classique sparkling wine demonstrates their quality with bright acidity, almond toast, baked pear, green apple skins, and mineral-driven undertones. Cap Classique is South Africa’s quality sparkling wine, requiring wines to be made in the Traditional Method with secondary fermentation in bottle and extended lees aging. Black Elephant’s Method Cap Classique sees 27 months on the lees and the time shows with brioche-driven qualities throughout this delicious bubbly.
90 Vince Simmon