A crowd-pleasing style, with cherry paste and macerated plum notes at the core and hints of Black Forest cake and mocha on the finish. Drink now. 10,000 cases made, 250 cases imported.??–JM??Region: South Africa / Western Cape / Coastal Region / Stellenbosch / Stellenbosch Select to Add

The steeped plum and cherry notes are framed with a plum skin edge and backed by a lightly singed vanilla accent. Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz. Drink now. 10,000 cases made, 500 cases imported.??–JM??Region: South Africa / Western Cape / Coastal Region / Stellenbosch / Stellenbosch Select to Add

The 2010 Synergy Cape Blend consists of 36% Pinotage, 31% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Shiraz and is matured in French oak barrels for 18 months. It has a rather muffled bouquet with smudged orange peel and fig aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp acidity, although it is missing a little weight and complexity towards the conservative finish. Drink now-2016. Importer: Total Beverage Solutions, 1671 Belle Isle Avenue, Suite 125, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, 29464. Tel: 843 881 0761

Shows a mature edge, with mulled spice and espresso aromas leading the way for lightly mulled plum and blackberry fruit before a singed cedar note moves in on the finish. Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz. Drink now. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 17,500 cases made, 500 cases imported.??–JM??Region: South Africa / Western Cape / Coastal Region / Stellenbosch / Stellenbosch Select to Add

Once you get past the herbal edge, there are nice red berry and fudgy chocolate brownie aromas and flavors that play together nicely. A touch of sweet spice appears after swallow to liven up the juicy fruit core. Drink now.——L.B.(11/1/2011)—— 86