2016 Nederburg Two Oceans Shiraz 1.5 L (Magnum)

Way back in the idle years before the global pandemic, in 2018, we actually sold Nederburg’s Shiraz for $2.99 a bottle. While many people associate Waterford with fancy-pants wines, good ol’ Nederburg became one of our top selling wines ever.

So, it was without hesitation that when the wine popped up again at a super discounted rate, I jumped on it. Here’s a $5 bottle of magnum of wine. It wasn’t always five dollars, but now it is indeed $4.99. Or, if you want to get technical, $2.50 per 750 ml (regular-size bottle).

Why’s it called Two Oceans instead of Nederburg? I think the winery simply made a custom label which in our present odd times, just didn’t work out for the intended recipient. You can guess the reason why. And while I hate to capitalize on someone’s misfortune, well, the wine needs a happy belly anyway, so why not mine (and yours)?

But really, how does it taste?

Kinda lovely actually – it’s got toasty cinnamon notes, black currants, touches of cloves, cassis and notes of black pepper. It is Shiraz so it’s got plenty of the fruit on the mid palate, good concentration coming in at 14.5% alcohol, and a nice rich finish. It is from South Africa so I won’t lie – there is a hint of the SA BBQ smell going on as well. It’s perfectly mellowed into itself with fully integrated tannins, fruit and acidity.

So, what do you do with a $5 Magnum of South Africa Shiraz?

You could drink it straightaway. I have.

You could use it as a cellar defender stopping the nefarious third (fourth?) bottle charge into the privileged section of the cellar.

You could make a lovely mulled wine out of it for the evening.

You could make a fresh and tasty sangria out of it for the morning.

You could use it to test for COVID-19 on yourself: pour a glass, can you smell and taste? You’re all clear. Remember – safety first, so repeat as often as possible.

Cheers and be well.