86
points
Saxenburg Estate 1998 Private Selection Merlot (Stellenbosch)
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$20
This opens with a complex bouquet of dark berry, earth, soy, pine and herbs. It’s balanced, lean and darkly fruited on the palate, but though nicely flavored, it’s a little hollow, and doesn’t show the depth hoped for from the dimensions of the nose. Finishes dry, with even tannins. Drink through 2005. —M.M.
— M.M.
(4/1/2002)
86
points
Saxenburg Estate 1998 Private Collection Shiraz (Stellenbosch)
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$30
Intense earth, meat and game aromas accent the blackberry and blueberry fruit in this somewhat controversial, medium-weight wine. The peppery finish offers dried plum and fig, a tart smoky note and metallic elements. The earthiness, even dung-iness, while complex and challenging, is not for everyone.
— W.E.
(11/1/2001)