Beyerskloof 2004 Cape Blend Stellenbosch ($20). Appealing for its deep blackberry and currant fruit laced with tobacco leaf and earthy, roasted espresso bean notes that linger on the smooth finish. Ready to drink now. (World Wide Wine 06/07)

Cirrus 2005 Syrah Coastal Region ($58). Lovely stuff, offering floral-laced black plum and currant fruit aromas and flavors that pick up toasty vanilla, pencil lead and baking spices through the generous, smooth finish. Ready to drink now and over the next three years. (Weekend Wine 04/08)

Fairview 2004 Goats do Roam In Villages Red Coastal Region ($13). Solid value here — would make a nice everyday red, with its focused blackberry and currant flavors laced with dusty tannins, chocolate, toasty vanilla and touch of game. A South African blend of Shiraz, Pinotage and Mourvèdre, with a touch of Viognier. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 04/06)

Graham Beck 2001 Syrah Robertson The Ridge ($25). Easily the prettiest, most stylish South African red we’ve tasted lately, with concentrated red currant flavors and aromas that are layered with white pepper, mineral, toasty oak and mocha notes that mingle nicely on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 02/06)

Guardian Peak 2006 Shiraz Western Cape ($15). Supple cherry and ripe plum aromas and flavors pick up touches of toasted vanilla, coffee and licorice on the smooth finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-05-28)

Rudera 2003 Syrah Stellenbosch ($27). Appealing for its bright, jammy character — somewhat like Aussie Shiraz. With lipsmacking mocha and licorice accents that linger on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 02/06)

Sebeka

($10). Easy to like, and offering nice depth at this price, with smooth blackberry and blueberry flavors accented with spicy, earthy notes. Ready to drink now. (World Wide Wine 06/07)

2007 Shiraz Pinotage Western Cape Cape Blend ($10). Plush, jammy blackberry, blueberry and black cherry aromas and flavors are accented with smoke and spice, with a smooth, medium-bodied finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2008-12-19)

2006 Shiraz-Pinotage Western Cape Cape Blend