Direct, with a beam of raspberry paste and red licorice notes infused with a touch of toasted vanilla, all carried by fresh acidity. Drink now through 2020. 3,500 cases made, 200 cases imported.??–JM??Region: South Africa / Western Cape / Coastal Region / Stellenbosch / Stellenbosch Select to Add

Aged in American oak for 12 months, the 2006 Private Collection Shiraz has very seductive, chocolate-tinged dark plums on the nose although that oak is a little obvious. The palate is full-bodied with rich, plum, clove and tar with the oak once again driving the decadent, powerful finish. Drink now-2015. Located on the Kuils River, the Saxenburg farm estate consists of over 200-hectares of which 90-hectares are under vine. Since 1990, Nico van der Merwe has been winemaker, traveling between Stellenbosch and South of France, where he also makes wine. The emphasis here is on classic French grape varieties: Shiraz, Merlot Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The wines generally tend to be well made but I felt were occasionally overdone in the winery.Importer: Global Wine Marketing, Maryland; tel. (410) 905-2494