The Liberator Episode 45 ‘Telegram Sam’ Red Blend 2023 Cape Coast, South Africa 75cl

The Liberator is Richard Kelley MW’s Cape label, famous for rescuing small parcels and naming them with a grin. ‘Telegram Sam’ borrows from the glam-rock songbook, a nod to Richard’s habit of tagging his finds with a musical hook and a cartoon story on the label.

Sourced from Minimalist Wine, this is a Rhone-inspired blend led by Syrah at 83%, with Mourvedre and Cinsault adding spice and grip and a small splash of Viognier co-fermented for perfume. It is a Cape take on a classic southern French recipe, and the co-ferment with a white grape is a neat old-world trick that lifts the aromatics and softens the tannins.

From the 2023 vintage, the wine leans towards freshness and drinkability, with the herbs and pepper you would hope for rather than heavy extraction or over-ripeness. The southern Rhone template of Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault has found a very happy second home across the warmer Cape, and blends like this one show why the pairing of grape and place works so well.

In the glass expect dark berry fruit, cracked black pepper and wild Cape herbs, with a floral top note from the Viognier. At a moderate 13% alcohol it is medium-bodied, smooth and supple, with fine, gentle tannins and a fresh, savoury finish that keeps it easy to drink.

If you enjoy a Cotes du Rhone or a peppery northern Rhone Syrah, this is a natural next pour. Serve it with roast lamb, grilled sausages, or a herb-scented tomato stew, and give it a few minutes in the glass to show its best.