Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon SA

[Innkeeper]

2003 Excelsior Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon, South Africa ($10 NH Liquor Store). An '03 Cab!!! Yes, and a really fine value as well. Gives you heaps of fresh fruit, cassis, and a touch of chocolate. Made a great afternoon quaffer with a friend.

[californiagirl]

One of my favorites! Can't find it around here for some reason.

[Glass_A_Day]

It's identical to the 02. A very good value. I went through a few cases of the 02 and am about to open my second of the 03.

[Drew]

I do agree that it is indeed a good value but I think the '02 and '03 offerings are completely different animals, imho. The '03 seems to be more complex showing more of the brite fruit, berry side of cabernet other than the '02 which was very lush and deep with blackberry/chocolate flavors showing strong. I think if I had sampled the '02 blind that I would have guessed syrah/shiraz.

Drew

[Innkeeper]

Had another '03 tonight ($8 The Clown, Belfast). This has improved! Much richer and complex now. Matched with broiled strip steaks and salad with blue cheese dressing (oh, and a roll too).

[TheEngineer]

I had one last night at a wine party at my house. One of the guest brought it over and it was pretty popular indeed. Nice value at $10. Outshone a few things that night.

[Drew]

Lots of nice stuff comming out of S.A.

Drew

[TheEngineer]

I agree. Anyone try a sticky called Onyx? Like all other SA wines, great value. Drinks between an icewine or late harvest but for 1/5th of the price of the former and still less than half the price of the later.

[Glass_A_Day]

I'm in the middle of an 03 Excelsior right now. I think after a few cases I may finally be getting tired of it. Still very nice for the price.

[jmcginley1]

I had this the other evening based on the recomendation of a co-worker. I couldn't belive a 2003 cab for $8 was this good. I plan to grab a few more bottles to drink up with the burgers I'll be grilling soon in this warm weather(finally!)