WoTM - Beeslaar Pinotage 2012

Abrie Beeslaar is winemaker at Kanonkop. Since taking up duties in 2002 he has seen that range expand with the barrel selection ‘black label’ estate Pinotage, and red and rosé Kadette Pinotages, and won the International Winemaker of the Year Trophy for 2008 at the International Wine and Spirits Competition.

 

My Wine of the Month for May is the first vintage from Abrie's private venture. Beeslaar 2012 Pinotage is from a single Stellenbosch vineyard. Only 4,700 bottles were produced, around 16 barrels.

Dense intense red with bright edges and softy scented with blackberries. First impression in mouth is of creamy smooth softness, then plum flavours backed with a savouriness on the palate finishing with a dusting of coffee.

This is a gorgeous wine now, but although the label says it’s best to drink from 2014 I think it’d benefit from keeping longer. It’s not yet been in bottle for a year and I think with a little more time the oak effects of 17 months in 50/50 first and second fill would make way to reveal more fruit.

Beeslaar Pinotage 2012 is available in the UK and Hongkong from importer Vincisive Wines Ltd, www.vincisive.co.uk www.vincisive.com.hk

Beeslaar Pinotage 2012

WO Stellenbosch

Alcohol: 14.5

Residual Sugar: 1.29

pH: 3.65

Total Acidity: 5.66

Total Sulphites: 95mg/L

Thanks to Darren Brogden of Vincisive for the sample.