It overshadows the 2006 Red Blend (Bordeaux varieties blended with 23% Shiraz.) The nose is fresh and well defined although it lacks focus, perhaps due to the addition of Shiraz alongside the Bordeaux varieties? The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, succulent red-berried fruit, a touch of dark cherry and boysenberry with a hint of chocolate on the finish. This is a fine Stellenbosch red, but I suspect that it might be improved further sans the Shiraz. Drink now-2016. Sourced from 14-year old vines, winemaker Matthew Van Heerden has produced one of South Africa’s outstanding Chardonnays that stood out like a sore thumb in a blind tasting.Importer: Michael Skurnik Wines, New York, 11791. Tel 516-677-9300.