South Africa?s vineyards predate some of the oldest in Bordeaux with some of its first grapes planted by Dutch immigrants in 1655. Napoleon even requested that he be comforted with a South African wine when he was on his deathbed. On a less grim note, here is a case of a lovely modern day red from the well known Stellenbosch area of South Africa. A blend of 68% cabernet sauvignon, 14% shiraz, 9% each cabernet franc and merlot, it has good texture in bright red fruit with cellars trademark fruit intensity. Cab franc herbal notes are noticeable and in balance with the juicier shiraz and merlot. It is sweet, sour and savory all at once. Winning four Stars in the John Platter Wine Guide 2008 - "Cab joins usual trio of shiraz, merlot and cab in succulent 04. Bold cassis/mint attack, yet elegantly styled & good for 3 -7 years cellaring."