Seduce your senses with this alluring Syrah boasting beautiful aromas of rich fruit and spice. Flavors of plum, black cherry, raspberry and pepper follow through on a lengthy palate. Well integrated tannins and hints of mocha and earth add to the complexity of this eponymous bottling from Thelema winemaker Rudi Schultz. A Wine Spectator "Savvy Shopper" bottling (SRP $30), this wine has garnered 90+ Wine Spectator raves in every vintage since its 2002 debut.

Simply put, it's a sexy bottling, one to be served by candlelight with that special someone!

Today in 1659, Jan van Riebeeck (who first brought vines to the Cape) wrote in his diary: "Fine warm weather...Today, praise be to God, wine was made for the first time from Cape grapes, namely from the new must, fresh from the vat. The grapes were mostly Muscadel, and other white round grapes, very fragrant and tasty."

Submit a holiday-themed photo that includes Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz or Moscato on our Facebook Page. Visit www.Facebook.com/JamJarWines for more info. 

Be creative, have fun. Vote for your photo during the "voting period", January 2-6. Tell everyone you know to vote for your photo to increase your chances of winning. The top five (5) photos with the most public votes will receive their very own Jam Jar Branded Chef Apron. Fun and festive, it will provide years of use for cooking, baking, and grilling. Wear it to protect your clothes from red wine spills too (oops!) The front has two pockets; a D-ring at the neck allows easy adjustment of the fit. 65% polyester, 35% cotton twill. 30" length. 

Seeking a stocking stuffer, office gift, or Secret Santa idea? Wine is always a safe bet, but don't roll the dice when it comes to picking a bottle. Look for these consistent "Best Buys," under $15 SRP, and are certain to impress even the snobbiest wine drinker.

Buitenverwachting Sauvignon Blanc - This crisp, zesty Sauvignon Blanc displays classic aromas and flavors of green pepper, gooseberry and lime. Grassy and mineral notes are beautifully integreated. Whoever says Sauvignon Blanc is a summer sipper never tried this bottling, "wows" year round. $14.99 SRP

Ken Forrester Reserve Chenin Blanc - A full-bodied Chenin harmoniously balanced with ripe fruit and delicate oak. It flaunts a rich, luscious mouthfeel, with flavors of melon and tropical fruit, enhanced by a hint of spice. This is 'the' Chenin pick for the holidays. $14.99 SRP

Sutherland Chardonnay - This Chardonnay possess vibrant, concentrated fruit flavors and elegant mineral notes. A bright, vibrant bottling combining fresh citrus and stone fruit flavors with a subtle toasty oak component. On the spectrum of Chardonnnay - from oaky to fruity - this bottling sits nicely in the middle. Perfect for parties or sipping solo. $14.99 SRP

DMZ Syrah - Let's talk about a classic, elegant, well-balanced wine that over-delivers in terms of quality for price. The nose of this round Syrah flaunts enticing aromas of ripe berries and red plum with delicate floral notes. Juicy layers of rich fruit are backed by hints of pepper, cinnamon and vanilla. This says holiday time! $14.99 SRP

Kanonkop Kadette - This blend from South Africa’s premier Pinotage producer displays juicy flavors of cranberry, raspberry, blackberry and plum interlaced with pleasant herbal and spice notes. A smoky, earthy character makes this full-bodied red the ultimate cold weather wine. $14.99 SRP

Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz - Crafted in a lighter style than your typical Shiraz, this fresh and fruity wine displays aromas and flavors of blueberries, blackberries and raspberries with a hint of dark chocolate. This is the wine for those with a sweet tooth! $11.99 SRP

'Tis the season. There's a magic in the air created when stories are circulated around the room during the holidays. Whether seated at the dining room table or kneeled by the fireplace, friends and family will gather to share nostalgic sentiments and tales of times past. The storytelling is rarely - if ever - dull, as if the spirit of the season brings it to life. As you ponder what to share, swirling your glass in hand, we offer you the legend of Vin de Constance:

During the 18th and 19th centuries, “the sweet, luscious, and excellent wine called Constantia” became one of the most legendary and sought-after wines in the world. First planted by Cape Governor Simon van der Stel in the late 1600s, it became prized by kings, emperors, and nobles, the iconic bottling could be found in the cellars of many of the courts of Europe, from Great Britain to Prussia. Napoleon consumed a bottle of Constantia each day during his exile on St. Helena, and the fabled elixir was immortalized in the works of Baudelaire, Charles Dickens, and Jane Austen.

After phylloxera devastated the vineyards of Constantia at the end of the 19th century, the bankrupt farm fell into disrepair, but the legend of its precious elixir lived on. In 1980, the run-down farm was purchased by Duggie Jooste, whose family had been involved in the South African wine trade for four generations. Duggie and his son Lowell began to revitalize the farm, replanting the vineyards and building a modern wine cellar. Using vines propagated from the original vineyard stock, they sought to revive the glorious Constantia wine of yore.

The recreated “Vin de Constance,” is hand crafted from shriveled late harvest Muscat de Frontignan grapes using traditional winemaking methods. Rich and unctuous yet mouthwateringly fresh, this succulent sticky is crowned jewel. The seamless palate is elegantly structured, with complex layers of dried apricot, mango, pineapple and honey. Floral notes and hints of sandalwood and spice echo on the seemingly endless finish. This extraordinary sip of history is packaged in asymmetrical 500 ml bottles, reproductions of the hand-blown originals. Over the past two decades, the dazzling nectar has received immense critical acclaim and has become a modern-day legend in its own right!

With a reputation for producing some of the Cape’s finest red wines, the heralded Kanonkop Estate is often referred to as a South African “First Growth.” The fourth generation family farm, presently run by brothers Johann and Paul Krige, has been owned and operated by the Sauer-Krige family since the early 1930s. This tasty Cape blend from South Africa’s premier Pinotage producer displays ripe, juicy flavors of dark berry, coffee and plum interlaced with pleasant herbal and spice notes. A distinctive smoky, tarry character makes this supple, full-bodied red the ultimate grilling/tailgate wine. “GOOD FULL RED…PERFECT BARBECUE WINE.” —STEPHEN TANZER

 

Bid farewell to summer by sitting back and savouring this stunning bottling. Recently awarded 93pts by Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, De Morgenzon 2009 Chenin Blanc was described as "honeysuckle and candied orange peel aromas. The palate is very pure and well balanced with good acidity, apricot, clementine and a touch of lime zest that leads to a very poised finish," It's a memorable sipper!

Master Sommeliers Andrew McNamara and Melissa Monosoff discuss South African Chenin Blanc during a seminar at The Texas Sommelier Conference 2011. An informative and entertaining clip into the world of Chenin Blanc in South Africa.