Tenth red wine at our annual DMV South African wine tasting.

Medium to deep ruby red. Chalky attack on the nose with a touch of greenery not vegetal, sweet spices and currants. Medium plus tannins (7.5/10) and full bodied. Dark and rich sweet spices and cherries on the attack. Some earthiness and rocks as well on the palate. Long finish.

The 2009 is made up of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Aged for 22 months in 35% new 300L French oak barrels. Only 1,667 bottles produced.

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First of the reds for July 4th.

Deep and dark ruby core with garnet edges. Layered nose with dirty, barnyard, earthy, mushrooms, forest floor, chalk and some damp leaves. Medium tannins (6/10) and medium to medium plus body. Nice mouthfeel and texture with notes of bell peppers, red cherries and a little marmite. Long finish.

The 2009 is made up of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Aged for 22 months in 35% new 300L French oak barrels. Only 1,667 bottles produced.

Price Point:

Mix of garnet and ruby red. Love the classic South African nose with chalk, tomato, some light greenery, dark cocoa and very tight black berries. Great structure and moderate plus body. Moderate tannins (6.5/10) with a long finish. Savory on the palate with some dark cocoa and berries. Layered and even some leather in it. Stunning QPR and great Cabernet from SA!

First time trying a wine from Stark-Condé and this is their entry level Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2009 is made up of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Aged for 22 months in 35% new 300L French oak barrels. Only 1,667 bottles produced.

Price Point: