Perhaps second to Merlot in the “unfairly maligned varieties” category, Pinotage is in fact capable of producing some quality wine, as is the case with this budget friendly bottling. The most common complaint I hear is about an iodine character, and while I’ve tasted some examples, there’s none of it present here — just bright black cherry fruit, bay leaf and gentle brown spice, with great acidity, moderate grip and a long, blooming finish where some earthy notes dance among the fruit, herb and spice. Duck confit fans — give this a whirl.
Simonsig, Stellenbosch (South Africa) Pinotage 2016
By Rich Cook