South African Wine between $10 and $25

Located at the base of the Simonsberg Mountains in South Africa's Paarl region, Glen Carlou's vineyards are influenced by the highly favorable weather pattern of the Cape, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. The Glen Carlou Winery has established an enviable international reputation for its multi-varietal Bordeaux grape blends. The full-flavored 2009 combines an appealing New World lushness of fruit with an enchanting Old World bouquet of floral, cedar and mineral. At the same time, Glen Carlou's wines are uniquely South African in their expression of the native terroir.

Matured for 12 months in oak, this wine serves up a fresh bouquet of currant, cut cedar and licorice, followed on the palate by spicy, lifted flavors of dark berry, blackcurrant, plum, and a touch of dark chocolate, with impressive tannic grip on the finish. Though quite drinkable now, this clearly has the structure to reward bottle aging.
-- Ben Giliberti

44% Shiraz, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 1% Petit-Verdot

Grand Vin de Glenelly is the signature red blend of the estate, the wine has a deep, dark, rich colour. The wine offers an elegant complex bouquet developing aromas of cassis, spicy plums with notes of toast in the background. The palate has a great intensity and concentration with fantastic freshness and fine elegant, but well structured tannins.
(from the producer's website)