South African

Oracle Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007

This wine certainly captures a lot of that rich, ripe, bold blackcurrant flavor that the Ozzies do so well. But this wine is South African, and that means a more European tradition, where the cedary and cigar-box elements of Bordeaux-style wines are more prized. Oracle captures a very happy medium, at a very nice price, with a fine, aromatic nose with lots of tobacco, spice and green peppercorn aromas, as well as plenty of black fruit. On the palate it delivers a really broad, juicy mouthful of sweet cassis and plum, with a lovely coffee and spice background (it is aged in French oak) and a fine leathery, woodsmoke and earthy depth. 10% Syrah in the blend possibly helps add a dimension of chocolaty complexity, but what a terrific value wine this is with a long, smooth finish.

Oracle Pinogate, 2008

One of the few grapes to really be a global success. Syrah combines a meaty core of ripe berry fruit with tones that range from herbal to peppery in a package that tends to be medium bodied with good acidity and softer tannins. With age the wines can gain lovely leathery and black olive notes that make them a great match for savory and gamy dishes.

Stellar Organics Merlot, 2008

The wine does not have a very intense nose but does show stewed prunes and vanilla fudge. The taste has some coffee notes overlaying the same stewed fruit and fudge present on the nose. The tannins build very quickly and this wine will need about three months for these tannins to settle from the shock of bottling. Further cellaring for 6-12 months should see a better integration of the wine\'s components.

Stellar Organics Shiraz, 2008

The nose shows an aromatic coffee caramel banana cake character ending with hints of white pepper. The taste mirrors the nose. The texture is rich and complex. The tannins and fruit merge to create layers of complexity. The tannins, although firm now are balanced by the intense flavours of this wine. This wine is drinkable now but will benefit from a years bottle ageing.