Mmmmm … Malbec! Argentina Malbecs sometimes get the short shift for being gloopy and simple. No this baby! From 70 year old vines toughing it out 1200 meters above sea level, this totally engaging mouthful is dense and rich, with a tarry, smoky, plum/currant/mint aromatic profile enhanced with a shot of chocolate and tobacco. Concentrated, chewy and totally the bomb, it’s got smoke, mineral and dark fruit everywhere, and an incredible smooth, long, silky finish to boot.
Nearly equal parts Clare and McLaren Vale, this deep, full and sun-ripened Shiraz was cold soaked prior to fermentation, and then into American oak for a short stint before bottling. Thick on the palate, compounded by wood and super ripe fruit, this is medicinal black cherry, cassis, ample pepper and eucalypt on a dense, kissed-with-vanilla palate. Too much of too much; if you're looking for an intense Aussie Shiraz, devoid of place but full of intent (richness), here you go.
Duncan Savage is one of the unofficial/official leaders of the Zoo Biscuits collective, and he seeks and sources vineyards from around the Cape for his namesake wines. The 2014 Savage Red is predominantly Syrah, with the balance Grenache, Cinsault and — singularly — Touriga Nacional. Fragrant, peppery raspberry, plums and ripe cherry is freshened with brisk acidity, livening the juicy palate. The whole is framed with hugging, sapid tannins, up to the lingering violets on the stony finish. The Touriga gives this wine a slight brooding curve, underlying the bright, peppery Cinsault and Syrah. Drinking beautifully now, and a great example of what an authentic "red blend" from South Africa can be.
Brightly scented blackberry, wild berry and peppery spice open the way for similar, slightly jammy sweet berry flavours, smooth tannins and agreeably balanced acidity. Zinfandel wild berry character is somewhat tamed down on the finish.
Brewmaster Frédérick Tremblay rejected American hops — until he discovered a blend that transformed his famous Belgian-style tripel into a Champagne-like tipple — drinks like spring in a glass. A shoo-in with grilled sausages.
A textbook example of Merlot. Plum, dark cherry, spice, roasted herbs, chocolate and red/purple flowers flow from the glass. The 14.4% alcohol, suave tannins and excellent length make for one tasty drop of juice. Drink until 2022.
The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is an impressive backward wine that requires another 2 years in the bottle before being enjoyed. The nose is still a tad shy at this early stage, but cassis, black raspberries, menthol, plums, cherries, spice and cocoa are discernible. Medium- to full-bodied, the tannins are distinct and strong, so when the time arises, serve it with some medium-rare steak with a char on the outside. Drink it from 2014 to 2021.