A rich, muscular style, with lots of cocoa and mocha up front, backed by layers of plum, fig sauce and mulled cherry fruit. A toasty edge takes over on the finish. Solid, though this shows more power than purity. Drink now. 500 cases made, 100 cases imported.??–JM??Region: South Africa / Western Cape / Coastal Region / Stellenbosch / Simonsberg-Stellenbosch Select to Add

With 16 months spent in 100% new French oak, this is a powerhouse of a wine. At first a bit overripe on the nose with notes of berry jam, kirsch, cigar box spice and a hint of smoke, the mouth shows similar concentrated dark fruit flavors but is lifted by supporting acidity, aggressive tannins and a tight structure. Dark chocolate-covered roasted espresso beans flood the long finish, and while the wine is good now, with five-plus years in the cellar it will be stellar.——L.B.(9/1/2010)—— 91