Inviting aromas of cracked pepper, dried fennel, spiced meat and berry give this elegant Merlot from Paarl instant character. On the palate, smooth, integrated flavors of pepper and spiced meat are layered, while the soft tannins give the wine a delicate edge. Still a spin of heat in the wine; consider holding for a few years.——S.K.(11/15/2008)—— 90

The color is opaque and the nose is tight, meaty and earthy. The mouth offers layers of bittersweet chocolate and powerful blackberries. It’s a tad hedonistic and heavy, with all sorts of overflowing fruit, but isn’t that what most people want in a modern red wine? ––M.S.——M.S.(4/1/2002)—— 90