2018 Ken Forrester Pat's Garden Reserve Red, South Africa, Stellenbosch, Wine Review

From South Africa, this is a blend of 76% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Petit Verdot. Deep purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose has black cherries, chocolate, slight tobacco, a hint of bell pepper and spice. Medium to full bodied. On the palate, the black cherries come thru along with some cherries and a bit of chocolate. Some depth. Good balance. Nice finish. This will drink nicely on its own but better with food. Drink over the next three to five years. It will work well with meatloaf or a burger.

Grade:

B+

Score:

Vintage:

2018

2015 Mulderbosch Faithful Hound, South Africa, Stellenbosch, Wine Review

Vintage:

2015

Score:

Grade:

B+

Current Price:

$18.00USD

This winery has recently been sold to new owners. They are one of the largest producers in South Africa having opened in 1989. Mostly known for their Chenin Blanc, this red is affordable and a great value too. It is a blend of 32% Cabernet Franc, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot, and 7% Malbec. The new label is plain and classy, but I always liked the old one with a picture of a dog. A note for the 2013 is on this site and features that label. The wine itself is drinking very well. Deep ruby in color. The nose has cassis, plums, baking spice and slight tobacco not

2013 Mulderbosch Faithful Hound, South Africa, Stellenbosch, Wine Review

Vintage:

2013

Score:

Grade:

A-

39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 16% Merlot, 14% Malbec and 9% Petit Verdot. This is a Bordeaux styled wine from South Africa. It sells for under $20 making it a very nice buy. Purple in color, ruby at the rim. The nose is very nice; dusty and complex with cassis, tobacco, some bell pepper. On the palate, this has a chewy texture. Nice complexity. Cassis, dark cherries with enough acid. Good finish. Drinking well now and won't get better but should hold for another five years at least.

2007 Meerlust Rubicon, South Africa, Stellenbosch, Wine Review

Vintage:

2007

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$40.00USD

This is a Cab/Merlot/Cab Franc blend from South Africa. Purple, ruby at the rim. The nose is interesting. Red fruits with some bell pepper notes. A bit of tobacco as well. On the palate, this seems a bit better. Cherries and some cassis. Underlying earthiness. Good finish. Drinks like a nice Bordeaux with a bit of age on it. The bell pepper on the nose will be welcome to some and a problem for others. Seems to be at peak right now. Drink sooner than later.

2018 Ken Forrester Pat's Garden Reserve Red, South Africa, Stellenbosch, Wine Review

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