WineLife365

…but all I found was cigarettes and alcohol.

I really love and appreciate wines of unique character.  This past weekend in New York, I was reminded of how much this actually means to me, as I found lots to love in the wines I tasted from Argentina and Brazil.  Frustratingly though, one place that I can’t seem to fall in love with is South Africa.  Maybe it’s the wines and producers that I’m trying, maybe it’s just me.  Maybe it’s a little of both!?  Who knows.

Time and time again over the years, whether it’s been a Pinotage, a Cab, or even a Syrah – I’ve been greeted by that distinctive smell and taste of smoky, red cherry tobacco that leaves me feeling green for days in an awful kind of way.  Is this familiar smell and taste just a byproduct of the climate, geography, and soil conditions that exist in South Africa?  Or, does it have more to do in creating a particular style of red wine that is uniquely South African?  Whatever it is, I just can’t seem to find many South African red wines under $20 that satisfy my palate.

Last night marked another chapter in my quest to find a satisfying and affordable South African red wine that I could fall in love with.  On the advice taken from a wine guy at my local wine shop, I decided to give the 2007 Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon a shot.

My wine guy gave this wine two enthusiastic thumbs up.  I, on the other hand, give this wine 2 stars out of 4.  Why?  For $7.99, it provided that familiar long lasting smoky, rich cherry tobacco flavor that I just can’t stomach.  However, it is unique – that’s for sure!  On that merit alone, I’m sure that someone else will appreciate it for what it is, just like my local wine guy did.  My mission to find an affordable 4-star South African red continues.