Arniston Bay Shiraz-Merlot 2006 - $9.90
Style: R2
South Africa
The rich aromas here suggest plum, mixed spices and vanilla, with the expected hint of Pinotage. Mild-mannered, showing plum and raspberry on the palate, a firm acidity, solid tannins, a nicely balanced finish, and good body and length. A solid performer that should age nicely for at least a couple of years. Try with flavourful hard cheeses, burgers or tomato sauces. (LCBO 43927)
A Canadian Moment ...
Reif Gamay Rose VQA 2006 - $11.95
Style: Z
Canada: Niagara
This solid candy-apple pink quaffer shows rich raspberry and strawberry aromas with traces of citrus, ripe apple and pepper at the tail end. Stops just short of off-dry, with raspberry, apple and lemony flavours and a crisp acidity. Very good body and length, refreshing and flavourful. (LCBO 669366)
2 comments:
I'm puzzled. Why would you expect a hint of Pinotage in a Shiraz-Merlot blend????
In most wine regions, the winery may add up to 15% "other" in a varietal wine. So the Cab-Merlot mentioned could have up to 15% Pinotage. I don't think it's that high -- likely 5% or less -- but it's detectable. I'm a Pinotage fan, but many people are not so when I come across Pinotage notes, I like to let people know.
The Frugal Oenophile
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