Tasting Notes ~ Bright, juicy red and purple plum aromas, crushed violets, and savory charcuterie. The palate is soft and supple, with minimal tannins, and finishes with a snap of red currant.

STAFF PICK - NOVEMBER 2021

Normally you wouldn’t find me singing the praises of a Cinsault from South Africa, but I can say unequivocally this is one of the best wines I’ve had this year. Craven Wines are the brainchild of husband-and-wife team Mick & Jeanine Craven who are part of a group of young and upcoming winemakers re-discovering some of the best vineyard sites in Stellenbosch. Their low-intervention approach delivers single-vineyard wines that highlight a true sense of place and vintage. The 2020 Cinsault is from the sandy soils of the Rustenhof vineyard, a scant 3 miles from the ocean. The grapes are destemmed before fermentation and the wine is aged briefly (7 months) in large neutral oak barrels before being bottled without fining or filtration. The result is a bright, juicy red with floral undertones; a perfect wine for your Thanksgiving table.

- JR Smith
Wine Director