An oaky, spicy Swartland version of this popular variety, the wine has nice dark fruit flavors with touches of chocolate and a medium-full body that is just shy of showing alcoholic heat in the mouth. Finishes with a hint of leather.
— M.D.
(12/31/2006)
Not like Aussie Shiraz, shows more of a Rhônish character in its leathery, earthy bouquet. But the fruit is ripe and round in the mouth with berry and cranberry flavors. Good now, better in a year or two.
— W.E.
(9/1/1999)
From the highly rated Swartland cooperative, this wine has fresh fruit, a touch of softness and ripe, clean apple flavors. It balances richness and freshness very easily. Imported by Hemongway & Hale.
— R.V.
(11/15/2005)
From an area formerly known for wheat and tobacco comes this co-op produced premium wine. This Pinotage is inky-purple in color with fresh, grapy whiffs of dark berry and spice, with lemony overtones. Full-bodied and creamy in the mouth, it has flavors of spice, purple fruit and straw with a lemony-citrus finish. Imported by Hemingway & Hale.
— M.D.
(7/1/2006)
A tad dry and dusty in the nose, this goes quickly into the red berry-fruit spectrum and offers touches of spearmint and molasses. Good balance and length on the finish make for a competent package.
— W.E.
(9/1/1999)
Earthy, leathery and peppery scents on this Swartland offering will appeal to fans of a more grounded Shiraz, and the flavors follow suit. Berry and tobacco layers are folded into smooth tannins, but the wine has structure. It’s a little on the rustic side, though with a good barbecue the edge might be evened out.
— S.K.
(6/1/2007)
An overly soft wine that is good because of its pleasant, refreshing acidity, leaving a taste of crisp freshness. Imported by MS Walker.
— R.V.
(11/15/2005)
This lightweight Merlot shows decent cherry, cinnamon and earth flavors at first—but drink it fast. The wine quickly turns herbaceous and earthy in the glass, leaving an altogether different, and less favorable, impression.
— W.E.
(9/1/1999)