Cape Pastoral Organic Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2022

New to Ontario is the 2022 Cape Pastoral Organic Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot from the Western Cape of South Africa (LCBO $13.95). This full-bodied, bone-dry red is packed with sweet-fruited goodness. Each swirl of the glass exudes a pure crush of wild cherries and blueberries. Then it rolls in with robust, almost savory character that tastes dark, deep and intense. Cassis notes give way to dark chocolate shavings and poached black cherries before a touch of pink peppercorn and salt emerge. The saline-cherry finish lingers for ages. Outstanding value. Score – 92. (Carolyn Evans Hammond, Toronto Star, March 21, 2024)