Thanks to Bruce for his TN for alerting me to this wine.
Composite natural-cork closure; $10.95 at the LCBO.
14% alc./vol. Dark, solid garnet with a cherry-garnet hue at the meniscus. First off are the fantastic leathery/band-aid/coal aromas so characteristic of many SA reds; this overlay makes the wine immediately interesting. Shiraz's bacony savouriness mingles with the classic old SA "band-aid brett", and with some elegant oak spice. Very full and expansive on the entry with fine acidity and a warm, fully balanced texture and fine structure. Cleansing, mildly grippy and wonderfully dry; an elegant mid-palate. Leathery replays towards the aft-palate, coupled with fine oak spice and more Shiraz savouriness. A dry, clean, flavourful finish.
Bruce, this wine is excellent. If one takes into account the price, it is an astoundingly fine deal. I really enjoy this classic SA style and will buy several more bottles. A wonderful find - especially given how simple and uninteresting many of the entry-level SA reds have become over the past five or so years.