This unusual, bargain-priced wine, which comes from the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, is amazingly intense. Earthy and dense, it tastes of blackberries, ripe plums and black cherries, weaved with a strong thread of gaminess and spice. This one’s for people who love big reds like Petite Sirah and Cabernets. It can be enjoyed on its own but this was meant for enjoying with hearty meats like leg of lamb, boar and buffalo. Rated 88-points by Wine Spectator’s critics, it’s a very good value at $10.00 at the Monterey St. Wine Co. in SLO.
You can reach New Times’ Cuisine columnist at khardesty@newtimesslo.com
This article appears in Oct 30 – Nov 5, 2008.