Silver Myn Argentum (South Africa)

This is INSANE value for a bottle of red. It is essentially a South African version of a rich, juicy Bordeaux blend. Decant this for two hours and it will stand up to any thirty pound bottle of wine.

This blend from the Bordelaise specialists of Stellenbosch is brimful of dark, crunchy Cabernet-family fruit. The result of their craft is a brambly wine with a rich palate of ripe plums and a touch of spicy fruitcake. However, it remains pleasingly dry. For a relatively inexpensive wine, this has bags of character. The palate finishes long and textural with a slight touch of hoisin sauce.

The average age of the vines are 10-11 years old. The blend is lovingly crafted from Merlot 50%, Cabernet Sauvignon 28%, Cabernet Franc 14%, Petit Verdot 6% and Malbec 2%. Grapes were harvested by hand and sorted into stainless steel fermenters.  After gentle pressing, the wine was immediately transferred to both small French oak barrels and large 4500l French 'foudre' to complete malolactic fermentation. Blending took place after 12 months ageing in barrels. Although the wine is not vegan, it is vegetarian (due to straining/fining methods).

Perfect with barbecued red meats, herby grilled chicken or even spicy south east Asian dishes.