Sincerely Good Wine

I just love surprises, at least when they come with inexpensive bottles of wine.


Case in point: I just opened a bottle of 2004 Sincerely Shiraz from Neil Ellis Wines of South Africa. We all know what to expect from inexpensive shiraz -- lots of jammy fruit with an exuberant, friendly personality.

At first blush, this $14 wine was exactly what I expected. Dark purple in the glass, it was brimming over with charming black cherry flavors and a bit of cassis. It seemed like a great sipping wine or a terrific wine to match up with burgers or pizza.

But then I walked away from half a glass of this quaffer and got busy. It was an hour later before I returned to it. Prepared to knock back the rest quickly, I suddenly froze, glass under my nose. Was this the same wine? Suddenly I was smelling leather and smoke. What a fascinating wine! Now I was forced to take my time and savor. I was stung by the realization that I almost didn't do this wine any real justice at all.

I gather that the 2005 vintage is now available, but if you can find any more of the 2004 -- buy it. And, I love the fact that it comes with a screw top -- the way every wine meant to be drunk young should.