Lubanzi, SGM Red Blend, Swartland, South Africa, 2019

Canned wines can be hit and miss, but this blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre (SGM) from South Africa's Swartland region is one of the better examples that we taste tested. The fruit is hand harvested, and a minimal intervention approach taken in the winery. Large oak barrels (foudres) are used to help round the wine without giving a marked oak influence. It's quite dark in colour with spicy, ripe dark fruit, a twist of demerara sugar and a hint of smoke. Fresh and fruity with some dark earthy char behind.