2016 Nederburg Two Oceans Cabernet 1.5 L Magnum

Here is a $5 magnum (double bottle) 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).

The Nederburg family is one of the longest-lasting winemaking families in the world, having started in 1791. I am sure they would be rather upset if they knew that their hard-made wine was being discounted so heavily by yours truly. Yet, as the wilds of the three-tier liquor system go in the U.S., these wines are now orphans, looking for some happy homes to adopt them. Hence, what was once a $15 wine is now just $5.

How does it taste? Pretty lovely actually – it’s got toasty cinnamon notes, blackcurrants, touches of cloves, cassis and notes of black pepper. It is Cabernet, so it has plenty of fruit on the midpalate, good concentration and a nice, rich finish. It is from South Africa, so I won’t lie – there is a hint of the SA BBQ aroma going on as well. And, this 2016 vintage has perfectly mellowed into itself with fully integrated tannins, fruit and acidity.

Why is it so cheap? I think, but by no means can guarantee, that it was a custom crush project from South Africa’s famed Nederburg winery for the Canadian LCBO (their liquor control board). Somewhere, somehow, this wine didn’t meet its Canadian destiny, and now it is looking for a happy home. I like to swear at Canadians every chance I get, but your spam blockers would infringe on that. So please insert your favorite Canadian epithets here. And then enjoy with pleasure to their mistake!

So, what do you do with a $2.50 South African Cabernet?

You could drink it straightaway, as I have. And don’t claim that a magnum is too big – first off, the “last” and best glass will be only halfway through. You can always drink the rest tomorrow!

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 a cozy evening.

You could make a fresh and fruity sangria of it for a sassy morning.

And you could pour it in the braise and make amazing short ribs!

Or, you could just drink this beauty while trying to relearn 3rd grade mathematics. It’ll help, trust me.

Case price $4.99 / btl. six bottle case. Use coupon “2” at check out.