Wine Reviews

Very impressive Syrah with about 5% Viognier added.  Inky purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose has black raspberries, blueberries, white pepper, black olive and roasted meat.  Full bodied.  On the palate, the black raspberries and blueberries are intense but concentrated.  A bit of pepper and some underlying char and meatiness.  Good acidity.  Long finish.  This will still get a bit better but is drinking well now.  Maybe another five years of cellaring and drink for fifteen to twenty after that.  This drinks well on its own and will work well with fattier meat dishes and stews.  

This is a very modern, big take on Spanish wine.  A blend of 70% Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is also delicious.  Purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose has black cherries, plums, cassis, smoke and spice.  Full bodied.  Firm tannins.  On the palate, the red fruits come thru with a base of charred wood.  Long finish.  This is still young and likely to continue to improve for another five to ten years.  It should drink for twelve to fifteen more after that.  Right now it will over power most foods and drinks better on its own.  With some bottle age it will work well with

Protea is apparently the national flower of South Africa.  The bottle is clear but covered with stenciled white flowers.  Very unusual and well done.  Silvery gold in color, clear and bright.  The nose has pears and slight mint.  Light bodied.  On the palate, tart apples but also some oranges.  Nice texture.  moderate finish.  This drinks well on its own and will work with lighter foods such as seafood salads.  Drink over the next few years.  

Yellow gold in color, clear and bright.  The nose is tight initially, giving way to honey and peach.  Light bodied.  On the palate, slight orange notes with some apple.  A hint of sweetness.  Moderate finish.  This drinks well on its own and will work with lighter salads.  drink over the next couple of years.