The South African red blend does all a wine at this price should do
Anyone who knows the Wine Curmudgeon won’t be surprised to see this South African red blend as a wine of the week. If nothing else, one of the nine grapes in the blend is white and another is petite sirah, but called by its “other” name, durif.
And how often do we see either of those?
The other reason it’s here? Because the Goats do Roam Red Blend 2020 ($12, purchased, 13.8%) is about more than its nine-grape blend. Rather, it’s here because it does something that used to be common, but has fallen by the wayside in this age of overpriced $17 California field blends.
In other words, a well-made, professional wine that delivers what it should for this price. That means a sturdy blend with a bit of heft, but with tannins that don’t get in the way. There’s lots and lots of black fruit and even a little spice, something I didn’t expect. Some tasting notes call this a Red Rhone blend, but it seems more South African, with less Rhone-style fruit.
Highly recommended; a Hall of Fame quality wine. Pair this with winter braises and stews, and even something like meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and gravy.
Imported by Indigo Wine Group