Beeslaar, Pinotage, Stellenbosch

My first real deal Pinotage, not counting the Kanonkop "Kadette" blend 2017 I tried a while back. This started off extremely tight and hard-edged, but really blossomed with time in the bottle (no decant) especially into day 2. Very peppery at first, almost a little reductive, sharp and spicy with only touches of dark fruit on the palate and seriously savory, BBQ-like finish. Blinded it as Syrah; finally guessed Pinotage when the country was revealed. After a couple hours we …

A deep plum colour with gripe black cherries and plums, moving towards sweeter notes of crème de mûre, dark (70%) chocolate, cocoa powder, and just a faint volatility. Full-bodied with a sweet entry that is richly textured with a core of black cherry and plum preserves, complemented by spicy-edged chocolate smear on toast. Filigree tannins and juicy acidity the wine is plush with an elongated finish. Matured for 20 months in 90% French and 10% American oak.

Korka

A: med ruby. N: pronounced, developing; raspberry, strawberry, red cherry, vanilla, clove, toast, forest floor, earth. P: dry, high acid, med (+) tannins, high EtOH (14.5%), med (+) body, med (+) flavor int, long finish; see nose. C: outstanding (BLIC), can drink now but has potential for aging.

Deep purple to violet red with intense ripe aromatic notes of tinned red cherries, red plum and sweet raspberry dipped in chocolate. Full bodied, this has power yet comforted by a double thick cream texture; rounded with sweet tannins, vibrant fruit and lively acidity. Well balanced the gobs of fruit fit nicely onto the tannins whilst the wine is complexed with oak spices, vanilla and sprinkled in cocoa powder. Fruits of ripe plum, raspberry make for an utterly enticing wine, …

Wow. I had very high expectations for this wine and it delivered. Incredibly drinkable with a smooth, silky texture. Luscious fruit tones like blackberry & plum, and an undercurrent of woody notes. Had three bottles of this during a dinner with several other high-end wines like Caymus. I, and most others, much preferred this Pinotage.

Last of the twelve red wines at our annual DMV South African wine tasting. Deep purplish ruby red. Took some time to open up on the nose with cocoa, red plums, cassis and dark cherries. Medium tannins (6.5/10) with well integrated acidity. A bit lighter than expected on the body but gained some heftiness and weight with air. Full bodied with dark sweet spices, anise, black raspberries, dark berries, cocoa and blueberries. A touch creamy in the long finish. Drink …