The 2010 Frontier Red is a Cabernet, Merlot and Shiraz blend. It offers raspberry and blackberry on the straightforward but well-defined nose whilst the palate is sweet and rounded with a deft, peppery finish. Drink now. Guardian Peak was founded by Jean Engelbrecht of Rust en Vrede in the late 1990’s and Philip van Staden is the present winemaker. Grapes are imported and vinified at their winery in Stellenbosch that opened in 2005. They offer dependable wines at decent prices.Importer: Terlato Wines International, NJ. 201-659-4712.

Cinnamon, pepper and black cherry aromas start this ageable blend of Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet. Flavors of plum, clove, pepper and tobacco are intricate and need to time to soften in the bottle. Overall, assertive and offering a minerally lift that gives it food pairing appeal.——S.K.(9/1/2009)—— 88