The Grape Grinder 2016 Blue Moose (W.O Swartland) South Africa
Availability: Private wine stores
Cost: $13.99 +taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: June 8th, 2018
Tasting Notes: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz from Swartland vineyards, the Blue Moose combines ripe berry fruit aromas and flavours with touches of rustic earthy notes, spice and oak. A solid combination, though, finished with too much residual sugar and short on length. Drink now-2019.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca
The Grape Grinder 2015 Pinotage (W.O Western Cape) South Africa
Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $13.49 +taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: May 13th, 2017
Tasting Notes: Though prominent on the label, and in previous vintages, I found the coffee-mocha theme more subtle in the 2015 release of the Grinder Pinotage with a higher emphasis on intense, blackberry and cherry puree aromas and flavours. Supporting, savoury notes and yumtastic, dark chocolate and spice characters help elevate the full-bodied palate beyond a one-dimensional, jam-fest. Though, folks who don't like their reds a little off-dry will want to steer clear. Drink now-2017.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca
The Grape Grinder 2013 Pinotage (W.O Western Cape) South Africa
Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $13.49 +taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: May 27th, 2016
Tasting Notes: A sweet'n'savoury, full-bodied Pinotage from the Western Cape with both coffee-themed branding and flavour profile on its mocha-berry-spice nose and the off-dry, dark chocolate-coffee grind-wild berry palate. Overall balance is a bit sharp, though, nice spice notes linger on the finish. A decent BBQ wine for the price. Drink now-2017.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca
