The Curator Red 2024

This wine has been a staple of ours for years, but there is a new, unnamed winemaker, so the latest vintage is different—in a good way. For years, the wine was made by one of the most famous winemakers in the Swartland region of South Africa, but that relationship ended with the 2023 release. In those days, the wine was a Syrah-dominant blend with Cinsault, Grenache, and a few other Rhône varieties contributing small amounts. Now, this wine is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Syrah, and 15% Pinotage, and while equally delicious, it is now a different wine.

I can’t say I have tasted a lot of Cabernet from the Swartland, so I'm not sure what the norm is, but this wine is a very savory, smoky example. I am sure the Syrah and Pinotage also contribute to the smokiness, but now the wine is also a mouthful of black currant, with notes of black pepper and leather adding even more. It is only medium-weight, so it is the ideal wine to serve with smoked brisket, Texas chili, or dry-rubbed chicken wings.