Medium+ ruby in colour with medium+ intensity on the nose. Positives: Smooth wine with notes of light cedar with tamarind chutney, blackberry, black cherry, mulberry, fried peameal bacon & sage. Full body, medium tannins, good acidity & medium+ length.

Negatives: A lot of heat on the finish due to the high alcohol.

Interesting Things: South Africa is the place to go for inexpensive Rhône varieties.

Drink now or in the next 2 years on its own or pair it with prime rib.

Tasted 18 Jan 12

Best Buy

Score: 9/10, Value: 9.5/10, Total: 18.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

Pepper, leather, smokiness, and blackberries on the nose. Lots of ripe fruit with softening tannins - very drinkable and excellent value.

Dark cherry-mocha aromas match the rich dense color of this wine. The palate is dense with smoky sweetness. Full bodied but the alcohol has integrated nicely with an extra year in the cellar. The mouthfeel is silky but with a nice balanced acidity to give some structure. Medium length. A Great value and just plain enjoyable.

Substantial fruit works well with a subtle spicey finish. A bargain, and very drinkable now!

Somewhat over priced

Opening this up on the later end of the critic reviewer's aging range (still have two more bottle tucked away). The wine is still a dark plumy colour, that smells of delightful black cherry, vanilla, and some smokiness. Tannic and peppery on the palate. Medium to long finish.
Tasted January 2014.