Savvy wine buy: Fleur du Cap ‘98 Merlot

Max Jacobson

Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2001 | 9:54 a.m.

Max Jacobson

The name means "flower of the Cape," and this time, the location referred to is South Africa's Cape of Good Hope, which has recently re-emerged as a major wine-producing region. Wines from South Africa are terrific values, because the rand, that country's currency, is quite weak at the moment. This '98 Merlot has powerful notes of cherry and plum in the nose, a touch of wood and a nice, fruity finish. The wine is aged in French oak, and it still slightly tannic. It should be at its peak in a few more years, but it is pleasant to drink now, and eminently easy on the wallet.

Available at Lee's Discount Liquors, $9.99.

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