Good plum and berry fruit, with vanilla and sweet toast notes that are almost candied on the finish. Drink now.??–JM??Region: South Africa / Western Cape / Coastal Region Select to Add

With 40,000 cases produced, FDC’s entry-level Merlot is the biggest Merlot brand in South Africa—and this wine tastes it. It’s a big-production, safe Merlot with anise-tinged oak and indistinct berry fruit flavors. A bit one-dimensional in the mouth, it closes with dried herb, and a tarry, minerally finish. ——W.E.(11/15/2002)—— 84