Bellingham The Homestead Red Blend 2017

Is Shiraz the magic ingredient that ensures that Bellingham The Homestead Red Blend 2017 over-delivers when it comes to quality relative to price? Costing R99 a bottle, it’s a super-tasty drop that is certified as “Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon” but makes use of the leeway permitted by Wine and Spirit Board allowing 15% of other varieties that do not have to be declared so that the blend is actually 62% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc and the rest Malbec, Petit Verdot and, yes, a tiny fraction of Shiraz. A Cape Bordeaux Red Blend with a little something extra.

Matured for some 12 months in French oak of which 10% was new, the nose shows red and black berries, some leafiness plus vanilla and spice while the palate is medium bodied with good freshness and fine tannins. It’s well balanced and rather charming drop that holds its own against much more expensive wines.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.

Help us out. If you’d like to show a little love for independent media, we’d greatly appreciate it. To make a financial contribution, click here. Invoice available upon request – contact info@winemag.co.za