Aphaea Cellar masters Reserve Red 2014

Origin:  Western Cape, South Africa

Grape:  Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Merlot, Petit Verdot

Year:  2014

Alcohol:  14%

Price point:  $12

Year Reviewed:  2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stumbled on this gem at a summer wine tasting event.    A bit hazy with a ruby color with slight orange tints.  Medium intensity on the eyes with the nose giving pleasurable aromas of medium intensities of spice, oak, wet leaves, vegetal, mocha and cedar.  Robust flavors of blueberry, strawberry, cherry spice, (a tobacco cherry pipe flavor), black pepper, and chocolate.  Also flavors mulling around of honey and mocha.  Tons of flavors erupt in this interesting blend, which gives it a nice maturity.  Sweetness is off dry, with very low acidity and medium tannins.  This wine ends with a strong long finish with tingling on the tip of your tongue.  So unique and enjoyable.  Pair with beef, lamb, spicy food, hard cheese or even a heavier pasta dish.  This wine opens up well and after an hour, rounds itself out a bit.