The Liberator 'MSG' 2017

We love Rhône style wines of the Swartland, and this is up there with the best. We know we're not alone - this is top mover from the shelves at Casa VG. Bursting full of black fruits, thyme, pepper and violets, the nose on this glass is seductive and inviting. In the mouth, the wine is luscious, leathery and chocolatey, with a nice spice and heat. Tannins are present but soft and refined, making this all too drinkable. The Liberator swings and hits again.

“GSM” and “SMG” are both everyday acronyms within the wine fraternity for blends of these 3 grape varieties, but have you ever come across a wine labelled as MSG…? I suspect not, and it’s because producers are afraid that their wine will be tarnished with a link to the well-known, much-maligned food flavour enhancer. There is no one braver, however, than our Rick to break the MSG deadlock.

The wine is 80% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, 10% Grenache.

For those who might claim this is marketing over substance, well Rick would take their comments with a pinch of MSG…. And yes, of course it goes well with Chinese food.

"Beyond the periphery of South Africa’s conventional vineyard regions lie great vinous treasures, resigned to anonymity; forgotten, abandoned or just simply undiscovered. It is the mission of Rick, our intrepid Cape Crusader, to seek out and liberate these rare wines, consigning them to the table of the most inquisitive and discerning imbiber. Each episode represents a single discovery; a precious parcel that is both unique and finite".