This cuts a broad swath, delivering dense layers of plum, blackberry and red currant fruit supported by red licorice, roasted vanilla and coffee notes. Long and polished on the finish. Drink now through 2011. 100 cases imported.??–JM??Region: South Africa / Western Cape / Coastal Region / Paarl Select to Add

Very dense and ripe, showy and crammed with dark fruit and chocolate. Sleek and streamlined, lifted acidity, leafy, herbal hints around the edges and some fine tannins.

Named after the gravel soils in which the vines are planted (and the old quarry site), this Cab is well balanced and surprisingly approachable now with flavors of blackberry, black currant leaf, cola, sandalwood and a kiss of menthol on the finish. It’s soft, silky tannins linger through the long finish. ——L.B.(12/31/2010)—— 88