WTN: Sebeka "Cape Blend" 2006

2006 Sebeka "Cape Blend" Shiraz Pinotage

This wine is a blend of 60% Shiraz and 40% Pinotage. It comes from South Africa and I purchased it for approximately $8.

Color: Deep blood red.

Nose: Not much. Berry with some cherry and spice.

Taste: Pepper! Black pepper and lots of it, initially. Then some heavy blackberry jam. A rather abrubt finish of cherry and cola. It seems that the blend is a split personality with the Shiraz jumping out front and then yielding to the Pinotage. An interesting drink for $8, but I can't say it was a "good wine". Food matches would be tough for this blend. Worth an $8 splurge if you feel somewhat adventurous.

Sebeka is the Gallo brand name of South African imports. The wines are made by the large Swartland Winery.

Thanks Peter. I do see "Swartland Winery, Malmesbury S.A." on the bottle, but didn't know it was tied to Gallo.

[James Roscoe]

Sebeka is trying to be the Yellow Tail of South Africa as far as importing is concerned. At least the ones I have tasted taste decent enough. I have liked their chard. Watch for the big displays in all the liquor stores if they aren't there already. I didn't realize it was a Gallo brand, but it makes sense.

Sebeka is trying to be the Yellow Tail of South Africa as far as importing is concerned. At least the ones I have tasted taste decent enough. I have liked their chard. Watch for the big displays in all the liquor stores if they aren't there already. I didn't realize it was a Gallo brand, but it makes sense.

James, I didn't take Peter's Gallo remark to mean that this is a Gallo South African label at all. In fact I thought he was just comparing it to Gallo in that it is a huge operation making technically correct wines, that will never excite.

James, I didn't take Peter's Gallo remark to mean that this is a Gallo South African label at all. In fact I thought he was just comparing it to Gallo in that it is a huge operation making technically correct wines, that will never excite.

No, Sebeka is Gallo. They wanted to import SA wine to the USA with their own label. ASAIK Sebeka is available only in the USA, i.e it is not available in SA (where I am at this very moment) or in the UK.

It plays up its African heritage with (some might think corny) leopard images.

Swartland winery is a large (I think SAs largest winery under one roof) and make a range of competent wines under their own name, plus they have a premium label, and they make wine labelled for supermarkets etc.

Gallo need a partner who can supply large volumes to a standard. Swartland Winery were a good choice. Very 'on the ball' cellarmaster there.

No, Sebeka is Gallo. They wanted to import SA wine to the USA with their own label. ASAIK Sebeka is available only in the USA, i.e it is not available in SA (where I am at this very moment) or in the UK.

It plays up its African heritage with (some might think corny) leopard images.

Swartland winery is a large (I think SAs largest winery under one roof) and make a range of competent wines under their own name, plus they have a premium label, and they make wine labelled for supermarkets etc.

Gallo need a partner who can supply large volumes to a standard. Swartland Winery were a good choice. Very 'on the ball' cellarmaster there.

Thanks for correcting me Peter. I misunderstood your meaning. Gallo is doing a lot of this kind of thing in lots of places.