We had great success with the 2011 vintage of this wine and if you were fortunate to have tried it you are going to love the newest release of the 2012 Glenelly Estate Reserve red.

A take on a 19th century Left Bank blend when Syrah was added to the more traditional varietals of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Merlot, the Glenelly Estate Reserve 2012 is a Bordeaux style blend with the Syrah adding a little twist to the equation. This goes back a very long time but there was a time when Shiraz played a part in the Bordeaux blend. The Bordeaux connection runs even deeper considering the owner and founder of Glenelly, May de Lencquesaing, comes from one of Bordeaux’s oldest families.

In SA Shiraz does the same thing in blends as Merlot by adding mid-palate flesh without any green characters. This is all about Cabernet structure and cedar/graphite notes with generous fruit. Just starting to show well at 7 years old, hold for another decade. Solid reviews, 4 ½ Stars Platter’s South African Wine Guide, 91 pts James Suckling and 94 pts Tim Atkin MW, respectively, lay the ground work that is as a well-made wine with an interesting historical slant. We are offering this unique South African red blend for $21.99 a bottle and $18.99 on a six bottle or more purchase which makes it a terrific under $20 value.

Posted by Gregg