A dense, packed style, with lots of fig, plum and blackberry paste flavors forming the core, augmented with slightly chunky baker's chocolate, fruitcake and licorice snap notes. A sanguine edge lurks in the background, and the finish features well-embedded acidity. This should stretch out with moderate cellaring. Best from 2015 through 2017. 450 cases made.??–JM??Region: South Africa / Western Cape / Coastal Region / Paarl Select to Add

A densely layered red, with warm ganache, espresso and Black Forest cake notes lined with blackberry coulis, plum and black currant flavors. Concentrated, polished and long, with a singed mesquite accent adding contrast and texture on the finish. Drink now through 2017. 250 cases made.??–JM??Region: South Africa / Western Cape / Coastal Region / Paarl Select to Add

A thick, broad style, featuring a roasted mesquite frame that holds the plum sauce, braised fig and melted licorice notes together, lingering through the gutsy finish. Built for BBQ. Drink now through 2015. 150 cases made.??–JM??Region: South Africa / Western Cape / Coastal Region / Paarl Select to Add

The 2007 The Beacon Shiraz is sourced from 17-18 year old small bush vines and has a mushroom-scented, mulberry, animally bouquet that is very subtle. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins, good acidity: a real Northern Rhone-like texture with a dash of pepper and hung game towards the succinct finish. Feminine and elegant, this is another great Shiraz from Fairview. Drink now-2018. Based in Paarl, Fairview is one of South Africa’s historic names, synonymous with the Back family who bought the estate in 1937. They produce a range of well-priced, mainly Rhone inspired wines under the watchful eye of winemaker Anthony de Jager. They also produce the ever-popular entry level La Capra and Goats do Roam range that were tasted for this report, but not all made the grade.Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, Alabama. Tel 205-949-6262.