Wine of the Week

2008 Herding Cats Merlot/Pinotage

From: South Africa

Price: $16/3-liter

 
Serve with: Beef roast, pasta

Over the past decade, more and more well-made, premium-varietal wines are finding their way into the bag-in-a-box format, which practically guarantees against the ruinous effect of tainted cork. This South African blend of merlot and pinotage is one of the best boxed wines I’ve tasted, and its $16 price tag for the equivalent of four regular bottles works out to a great bargain. It’s an explosively fruity, medium-bodied red wine with ripe plum and blackberry flavors with a hint of black pepper. The tannins are soft and there are no rough edges. Perfect for parties and restaurants.