Dark and muscular, with an nice espresso-tinged spine driving through the core of mulled black currant, bittersweet ganache, loam and melted black licorice. The finish has solid grip, with a nice snap of tobacco for added length. Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Chenin Blanc. Drink now through 2011. 350 cases imported.??–JM??Region: South Africa / Western Cape / Coastal Region / Stellenbosch / Stellenbosch Select to Add

The high-tone fruit aromas work here, lifting the otherwise dark and heady notes of mulled berries, cherry pie filling, cured meat and sweet smoke. Balanced and ready to drink now with medium weight and dusty tannins. The finish shows nice evolution from fruit to earthy tobacco and finally coffee.——L.B.(11/1/2011)—— 89