In preparation for my visit to South Africa’s Cape Wine 2012 next month I’ve been enjoying some of the wonderful wines that country has to offer. Some are samples of wines that I’m hoping to see in our ABC stores sometime in the future while others are new wines that we currently carry.

            We’ve been gradually adding to our portfolio of wines from Graham Beck Estates over the last few years and I must say that the wines in their various price ranges are true delights. We began with their entry level Shiraz, Shiraz Cabernet and Chardonnay. Then we soon moved on to their Game Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and Game Reserve Chenin Blanc, which are both astounding wines at their mid-teens price range. Later we added the Game Reserve Sauvignon Blanc and Game Reserve Chardonnay and a delicious entry level Chenin Blanc/Sauvignon Blanc blend which makes me lick my lips just to think about. Another great addition were the Graham Beck sparkling wines – a non-vintage Brut and Brut Rosé – which are among my favorite sparklers from anywhere in the world short of Champagne itself.

            The most recent arrival on our shelves is Graham Beck The Game Reserve Shiraz 2007 – and it’s another winner! The wine is 100% Shiraz from Stellenbosch in South Africa’s famed Western Cape. Grown in granite gravels with underlying clay, the grapes are hand-picked at optimum ripeness. The wine has a rich juicy palate with attractive mocha and chocolate flavors complemented by ripe mulberry, blueberry and white pepper nuances on the nose. Winemaker/Cellar Master Pieter Ferreira offers us a wine that is big structured with a juicy mid-palate and ripe but firm tannins on the finish.

            As always with Graham Beck wines, their environmental concerns mean that they farm in harmony with nature, which, as they say, means “healthier crops, more responsible wines and a better life for future generations.” By purchasing these wines you contribute toward the preservation of the 3700 acre game reserve that runs adjacent to their Robertson winery.

            Enjoy this delicious wine with rich casseroles or hearty stews.

Bill Stobbs, ABC Wine Supervisor

(Follow me on Twitter at abcwinebills)