Delaire Cab-Merlot

[Innkeeper]

1999 Delaire, Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot, Stellenbosch, S.A. ($16 Southern Wines). The rap on this one is "intense, delicious ripe flavors, soft tannins." On the back label it says that it will age 5-8 years. Well, there's good news and bad news. We decided to try it tonight, and decanted it an hour and a half ahead of time just in case. It was ready. Showed nice blackcurrent fruit and a hint of mint on the nose and upfront. Very nice somewhat "intense" balance with chocolately complexity and previously advertised smooth tannin across the palate. All followed by an enjoyable finish. Matched very nicely with grillpanned boneless sirloin, baked potato, and green beans almondine. A favorable indicator was that I had to armwrestle mother for the last glass. However, five to eight more years? Nah!