A blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot, this is a wine of great depth and character. Evolving dark fruit on the nose reveals complex notes of cinnamon, clove and a whiff of tobacco. Concentrated dark fruit flavours come in a firmly tannic structure with assertive acidity that needs time to soften. Best with another 5 years in the cellar.
Offers smoothly rounded, lush tropical and stone-fruit flavours with light, stony mineral grip and a crisply refreshing finish.
Neon yellow in colour, this wine offers a toasty, nutty nose with barnyard notes. Medium- to full-bodied and dry, the lingering flavour of creamy pear purée fills the palate, nicely balanced with lemony acidity.
New-World wine? Fairview Cellar was established in 1693. That's right — Columbus era. This is a blend of Shiraz, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Petit Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault from Paarl, aged in tanks and barrels. Ripe, juicy and smooth, this medium- bodied, easy-drinking red carries smoked meats, cherries and stewed cassis to a short, clipped finish. There's a driving level of VA and some reduction brewing underneath the surface of this screw-capped wine which detract. That said, partnership with smoky beef ribs will mitigate.
I last tasted this vintage in 2015, when it first came onto our market. I was surprised to see the 2013 now, 2 years further along, and suspect it has something to do with sales flow rather than cellaring strategy. The smoke and leather in this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc are still evident, but more pronounced with age, and the wine is now showing oxidative, OXO notes. Tannins are sticky and the spicing is 5-star. Drink now, either off the shelf or in your cellar, with Asian-spiced ribs.
Interesting blend of 4 varietals, of which the Chardonnay speaks loudest. Clear medium-deep gold. Fairly strong nose of citrus and apple with pronounced French oak. Full-bodied with a long finish and so much rich fruit (citrus, peach, apricot) it tastes almost off-dry. Only gets this score if you like oak. Will last a couple more years.
Shows developed dark berry-fruit with soft spice on the nose; smoky black fruit with dry tannic grip and balanced acidity, finishing quite dry.