Rustic for a Merlot, with herb and tobacco notes leading the way for coffee, currant and dark olive flavors. Slightly edgy feel, without the grape's usual soft charms. Drink now through 2008. 1,050 cases imported.??–JM??Region: South Africa / Western Cape / Coastal Region / Stellenbosch / Stellenbosch Select to Add

Appetizing aromas of grilled meats and spices start out this big Merlot from Stellenbosch. Pronounced tannins, a wave of spicy oak and hearty, meaty Merlot flavors mean this wine has a heavier, more robust hand. May need some aging and a food pairing with muscle to show its true potential, but overall, it’s a winner on all counts.——S.K.(6/1/2008)—— 87