Black Pearl Vineyards Oro 2013

Rich ruby tones, hints of clove and spices; plum, dark berries and licorice flavours are enjoyed on the palette.
88 pts Stephen Tanzer/Vinous
(58% Shiraz and 42% Cabernet Sauvignon): Bright medium red. Redcurrant, tobacco, smoke, spices, herbs and menthol on the nose, plus a liqueur-like suggestion. Fat, sweet and fairly full, with juicy red fruit and spice flavors showing thorough ripeness but also a bit of medicinal restraint. The liqueur-like quality repeats on the ripely tannic, slightly dusty finish. Reportedly still the most popular wine-by-the-glass South African wine at Disneyworld in Orlando.
(58% Shiraz – 42% Cabernet Sauvignon) – Black Pearl Vineyards is a single unirrigated vineyard on the slopes of Paarl Mountain. The 4.5 hectares of Shiraz (planted 1998) and 3 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon (planted 1999) thrive on deep, well-drained Oakleaf soil. The high trellising system, severe pruning and canopy management are all managed to ensure low-yielding, stress free, phenolically ripe fruit. The adjoining land, we have made into a nature conservation area to preserve the last 4% of remaining renosterveld in the world, so being environmentally friendly is of utmost importance for us. Pest control is monitored rather than spraying chemicals, and our spray program for mildews uses chemicals with the least negative impact on the earth.