Pinotage isn’t for everyone, but if you’re a fan of domestic Petite Sirah, you should give this bottling a serious look. Like a fine Petite Sirah, it’s a tannin driven wine that lets its fruit loose midpalate, with blackberry, blueberry, fall spice and a dash of cassis, and then finishes with a tight grip. Despite that, it has great flavor push, and will sit well alongside braised beef short ribs or roast lamb. I’m a fan!
Simonsig, Stellenbosch (South Africa) Pinotage 2017
By Rich Cook