<table align="right" valign="top"><tr><td><img src="http://www.vintages.com/media_common/bottles1/1/037408.jpg" border="0" align="left"></td></tr></table>This blend, made up of "bits and bobs" - leftovers - comprises Pinotage, Tinta Barroca, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. I bought it at Vintages for $19.95 and I have to say that it is a very good, powerful red loaded with ripe fruit and fine, puckery tannins. The winery's site says this: "Consisting mainly of press wine – the last drops pressed from the skins after fermentation – this blend is concentrated in the extreme. While the spiciness of French Oak lends an air of sophistication, this is not a wine that will be revered for its subtlety." I say amen to that!!
14.5% alc. Intense, saturated dark garnet with a cherry-garnet meniscus. This was much better after a couple of hours of decanting. It showed a nose of spicy brooding dark fruit, hints of telltale Pinotage (leather, banana and plum) and high-quality French oak. Tasty, tannic, ripe-fruity on the entry with chalky/grippy tannins all along the palate. Moderately sweet on the mid-palate, but in a good (ripe-fruit) kind of way. Bold, yet balanced. More spicy oak on the finish.
This went really well with the grilled beefsteaks that I made using my special Pinotage-friendly marinade. At a nickel less than $20, I'd buy it again - especially since we are in a Pinotage slump now in Ontario and there is some of my favourite grape in this blend.
Here is the winery's information sheet on the wine.