Well, today I was in the mood for something warm-climate and a bit opulent, but I'm always looking for that streak of wildness as well - and so I settled on a South African red. I always hope to find one in the style I like best, and I am happy that this Merlot fits the bill very aptly.
14.5% alc./vol. High-quality natural cork.
Dark, impenetrable garnet colour with a weathered-sumac hue at the meniscus. It needed a bit of time to open up, but once it did, I got effusive ripe strawberries atop wonderful old-style SA leatheriness and bandaid; a hint of ripe red tomatoes and very pleasant French oak spice holding it all in check. Crisp and full-textured right on the entry, with a bold, smoky / fruity attack (typical SA balance between forward fruit and earthy leather): plummy, ripe strawberry and leathery flavours; grippy tannins, and a warming, expansive mid-palate. Quite warm on the finish; big, but balanced overall.
A fine mid-winter's wine - though it really does call for some kind of hearty meat dish to really sing at its best. $16.95 at Vintages.
