I am continually amazed by South African wines. They are pretty boozy (this one is 14.5% alcohol) but are somehow light on their feet. They don’t have that goopy, glycerin quality of Australian reds; Aussie wines seem like a wine milkshake. This Warwick Three Cape Ladies is pretty special. It’s blend of Cab, Pinotage, and Merlot. Pinotage is a kind of tough-love grape; there are few 100% Pinotages that are more than a curiosity. But the earthy, bacony, eucalyptus-y, carmenere/Chilean aspects of Pinotage make it great for blending. The Warwick TCL is an extremely well-balanced wine. There is enough acidity to keep the alcohol unobtrusive. It’s a great food wine; I’d love it with any kind of grilled beef or lamb.

The point I’m try to make: South Africa is kicking Australia’s ass.