quicksearch
87POINTS
15¾/20
Riebeek Cellars Collection Merlot 2018
South AfricaI’m going to repeat part of our last note from 2016 because it is still relevant to his 2018 version. This wine is an excellent lesson in wine buying. At $12.99 by the time you take all the tax off, the shipping from South Africa, the winery fees, agent fees and retailer’s profit, what’s left? Two or three dollars seems about right, but wait; this wine is a star. The key: It comes from the Riebeek Valley, renowned for shiraz, and Swartland is the uber-hip region where young people rule the winemaking. I’m betting good genes, information sharing, and peer pressure have given this wine all it needs and more for $12.99. The attack is a delight of fresh peppery, meaty fruit that is lush and round and balanced. It’s eminently drinkable for the price, and while it is not a 90-point wine, it remains a bargain buy you can liberally serve around the barbecue all summer.Tasted: 16 June 2020Tasted by: Anthony GismondiPrices:| BC | $12.99 | 750ml | BCLS |
Grape: MerlotCSPC: 56719UPC: 6004944000281
