CAROL BROWN UNCORKED

Red alert

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LAST week, I highlighted white wines from the South African tasting in Edinburgh. This week, it’s time for red wines to take the spotlight.

Stellenbosch is noted for its Bordeaux-style blends, which are still prominent, taking Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot in different proportions, and with the lesser used Petit Verdot and Malbec also taking part.

There are also Rhone-style blends, with Syrah (Shiraz) dominating, as well as South Africa’s own creation, Pinotage, either solo or in blends.

Kaapzicht Bin 3 Stellenbosch 2005

A blend of Merlot and Cabernet with added Pinotage, this is fragrantly spiced. It’s on the big, chewy side with good, juicy fruit and spiced, toasty oak. Serve alongside a barbecued steak.

(£8.85, Great Grog, Edinburgh.

Ernie Els Wines Engelbrecht Els, Stellenbosch 2004

This takes the Bordeaux classic grapes and adds Shiraz. The result is complex; it’s ripe and blackcurrant fruit-driven with a great structure and a long, elegant finish. Savour alongside roast Aberdeen-Angus.

(£20.49, Great Grog)

Cape Chamonix Troika, Franschhoek 2005

With 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and the remainder Cabernet Franc, this has the ripest of blackcurrant scents with subtle spice and vanilla. There’s freshness on the taste, with those blackcurrants lingering to a sophisticated end.

(£12, Woodwinters Wines, Bridge of Allan; Lockett Brothers, North Berwick)

Lutzville Diamond Collection Shiraz, Olifants River 2006

Intense dark berry coulis scents edged with chocolate lead on to a well tuned brambly mouthful with a savoury end.

(RRP £7.49-£8.99, Kelly of Cults, Aberdeen; Dobbies garden centres; The Perthshire Visitor Centre, Bankfoot)

Vergelegen Prestige Red, Stellenbosch 2002

Another classic Bordeaux blend with Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc and Merlot, this is intensely blackcurranty. In the mouth, it’s firm and complex, and juicy with touches of blackcurrant and mint which linger on. Served with roast duck.

(£26, Tesco)

Goats Do Roam, Goat Roti, Paarl 2005

A small amount of the white Viognier gives a perfume to the raspberry, bramble and spice element. Good soft berry fruits mingle with vanilla oak at the end.

(£8.99. Contact Liberty Wines on 0207 819 0333 for mail order or nearest stockist)

Beaumont Ariane, Walker Bay 2003

The coastal influence aids the elegant style of this Cabernet Merlot blend. Blackcurrant and a rich chocolate edge to the sniff lead to a winning combination of dark fruit and structured tannin.

(£12.79. Call Forth Wines on 01577866017 for nearest stockist)

Lomond Estate Merlot, Cape Agulhas 2005

Cape Agulhas is as far south as you can get in South Africa. This is a ripe, plummy Merlot with a lovely freshness, elegance and balance to the spiciness of plum-chutney flavours.

(£9.29, Forth Wines)