Ripe and dense, but sleek and focused, with a lovely core of mulled black currant, warm fig paste and tobacco, laced with mouthwatering dark olive and iron notes that help the finish stretch out nicely. This has solid grip in reserve. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Drink now through 2011. 1,400 cases imported.??–JM??Region: South Africa / Western Cape / Coastal Region / Stellenbosch / Stellenbosch Select to Add

This Cab-dominant Bordeaux-style blend needs some time to come around, with closed aromas of dark fruits, cedar, leather and cigar box trying to fully unfold in the bouquet. The mouthfeel is creamy but gripping, the texture like crushed velvet that lingers on the finish. Black berries and plum flavors fill the mouth, accented by herbal notes of thyme, sweet spice and tobacco leaf. ——L.B.(12/31/2010)—— 89