Beeslaar, Stellenbosch (South Africa) Pinotage 2014

 This is great wine made from Pinotage, and though I know there will be wine snobs out in the world who don’t believe that such a thing is possible, they are wrong.  And this wine proves it beyond any possible doubt–at least for anyone who is capable of tasting past their own prejudices.  It is dark in color and very deeply flavored, but shows no excess heaviness nor the slightest hint of raisining or over-ripeness (which is extremely important regarding Pinotage, which hits an optimal ripeness point only very briefly before acidity drops, with unpleasant results).  The flavors show both red and black fruit tones, with a hint of spice from wood and some excellent freshening acidity.  Impeccably pure and natural-seeming, this offers an extremely long finish that remains perfectly proportioned, as all of the flavor notes tail off evenly.  This may be the best Pinotage that I’ve ever tasted, though I’ve tasted plenty of very good ones.  Still, I worry that readers won’t take seriously the phrase “best Pinotage,” so let me just conclude with:  This is a great wine.