Two South African Reds from Eshkol Winery

Over the last couple days, I've been tasting and re-tasting two wines from Eshkol, down in South Africa. The first is a blend called 'Sheba' which is mainly Cab and Syrah, and does not specify a vintage year. The second is labeled as purely cabernet, and it's dated 2003. I think the Sheba is similarly aged.

The Sheba is pretty flat and tastes old. There is little fruit and a whole lot of sour wine flavors going on. I think the importer had a dump fest when it wouldn't sell in South Africa. That isn't to say that it wasn't good at one time, but that time has come and gone.

The Cabernet still has some life, and vaguely reminds me of some of the older Gan Eden Cabernets. Cranberry and tar aromas and a very plush palate make this enjoyable to drink. I think it needs food to take the edge off. I would give a tentative recommendation to the Cabernet, provided it shows well with food. I am planning on bringing this to a wedding wine tasting that I am hosting for some of my clients next week, so we'll see what they have to say. The other label in the picture was not sampled. (Photo courtesy: Abarbanel)