Namaqua Elephant River Reserve Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (South Africa)

Nose: Not very strong, but pleasant smell.  Smells like a big something - berries?  Cherry?

Taste:  Way more bitter than anticipated, and a sharp bitterness.

Finish:  The bitterness lingers...

What they say:  Rich and supple; flavours and aromas of spicy red and blackberries with vanilla oak.  Long and smooth finish.

What we say: V - "It's a fun colour" "Smelling it is like cocaine - a big burst followed by nothing." S - "The taste is a bit surprising, I was expecting it to be a bit more sweet and well-rounded."

Rating: 3.5 (V - 4; S - 3)