The maiden vintage, the 2002 Bonne Nouvelle has a fresh nose with ripe, dark plum, a touch of dark chocolate and creme de cassis. The palate is medium-bodied and the Pinotage has become more pronounced with age, eliciting notes of dark chocolate, hickory and a touch of Bovril. It does not have a powerful finish, but it has maintained admirable freshness and vitality. Drink now. Bonne Nouvelle is the result of the partnership between Murray Boustred and Michel Rolland. The vineyard stands at the foot of the stony, steep incline on the Simonsberg Mountain located on the Remhoogte Wine Estate. There are 30-hectares under vine and “Bonne Nouvelle” represents a winery selection that is raised for 12 to 15-months in 50% new French oak. It is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage, though the latter has been reduced in recent vintages from 20% to between 5 and 10%. I tasted all vintages to date with Thierry Harberer, Michel’s right-hand man. I had heard that the collaboration had come to an end. Thierry informed me that the 2005 vintage is being imported to the US at the moment and that this will be followed by the 2006 and 2007. Depending upon the success of those wines they will review and see whether Bonne Nouvelle will continue.Importer: Domain Select Wine Estates, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799.