31 December 2019

WoTM - Kanonkop Estate 2006 Pinotage

My Wine of the Month for December is Kanonkop Estate 2006 Pinotage.

I've been buying and keeping Kanonkop for decades and while they are great young they are sublime with a decade or more aging. This was one of three remaining from 15 that I bought in April 2009. I will drink the others soon because, although I think they will keep for years more, they are at their peak now.

This was one of three remaining of 15 bought in April 2009.

 Pinotage's youthful exuberance has been replaced by linear sophistication, with underlying Pinotage sweetness. A delightful drink that was soon emptied.

01 December 2019

Kaapzicht, Lievland are Exceptional Pinotages - Washington Post

Dave McIntyre in The Washington Post rates as ‘exceptional’ Pinotages from Kaapzicht and Lievland. 

He says ‘Pinotage is South Africa's equivalent of California’s Zinfandel’.

Of the Kaapzicht Pinotage 2016 he says ‘Kaapzicht makes a lovely, bright version with berry fruit and a good frame of tannin to sustain the long finish.’ 

Lievland Vineyards Bushvine Pinotage 2017 is ‘a more savory expression of Pinotage, from old vines. There is dark fruit here, but the lasting impression is a comforting earthiness, with hints of wild mushrooms and forest air ... this wines stillness suggests power waiting to be unleashed.’ 

Read the full reviews here. 

Dawn Egan for The Irish News makes her Wine of the Week the Co-op’s Irresistible Swartland Pinotage 2017 made by Duncan Savage. She says it’s ‘smooth, juicy, fruit forward, plummy style’ and ‘would make a great pairing with a roast leg of lamb Sunday dinner, given its bold brambly, mulberry fruits, hint of smoky spiciness and long finish.’ 

Read the full review here.

30 November 2019

WoTM - Horton Pinotage 2014 and Rose 2018

My Wines of The Month for November are from Horton Vineyards. Founder Dennis Horton was the Pinotage pioneers on east coast USA.

Horton Vineyards 2014 Orange County is the standard red Pinotage which they've been producing from the variety they first planted in 1993. They have recently introduced a rosé Pinotage.

The 2014 red Pinotage is already showing brown tinges and is lighter in colour than many others. It needs time to open up as it's closed on first pour and so would benefit from decanting.

Then it shows coffee on the nose. This is a thoroughly enjoyable wine with a reasonable 13.7% abv. It has cherry and berry fruits, with some coffee and chocolate flavours. There's enough acidity to encourage another glass.

At the American Wine Society National Conference in the warmth of St Pete Beach, Florida, I opened Horton's newly launched rosé Pinotage with an eye catching label called Gears and Lace from their Steam Punk line of wines. 

Horton Gears and Lace  Rosé Pinotage 2018 was a lovely bright dark pink, darker it seemed, than some Burgundies. On the nose was smoked Gouda, in the mouth we tasted a tang of watermelon. The wine was smooth, refreshing and quite lovely.


10 November 2019

Platter's 2020 5 Star Pinotages

The 2020 edition of Platter's South African Wine Guide has just announced it 5 star wines.

There are six varietal Pinotages and two Cape Blends. 

Beeslaar Pinotage 2017
Beyerskloof Diesel Pinotage 2017
Diemersdal Reserve Pinotage 2018
Flagstone Time Manner Place Pinotage 2017 *
Kanonkop Black Label Pinotage 2017


Beyerskloof Diesel Pinotage 2017

Beyerskloof Faith 2015 (Cape Blend) *

Kaapzicht Steytler Vision 2017 (Cape Blend)

* indicates the  highest-scoring 5-star wines in their category and chosen as Platter’s Wines of the Year.



Two winemakers each have two wines with the coveted five stars. Abrie Beeslaar (Beeslaar and Kanonkop) and Anri Truter (Beyerskloof).

Congratulations to all involved, and also to the Platter Guide in its 40th annual edition of this invaluable and unique miniature encyclopaedia of South African wine.


31 October 2019

WoTM - Neethlingshof Owl Post Pinotage 2015

My Wine of The Month for October is  Neethlingshof Estate 'Owl Post' Pinotage 2015.



Owl Post is a barrel selection from hand picked single vineyard Pinotage, named after posts erected through-out the vineyard.  

Neethingshof says “The Owl Post recognises Neethlinghof’s integrated pest management system. Owls play an important role in keeping rodent infestations in check (and without the use of chemicals). To encourage the return of these nocturnal birds of prey to the estate, Neethlingshof successfully erected breeding-friendly owl posts in the vineyards.”

Winemaker De Wet Viljoen told me that he thought the 2015 Owl Post would reach its best in 2019.

On pouring it was opaque, a dense dusty red/black damson colour. On the nose there's cedarwood and berry fruits. This is a serious wine, slowly revealing dark plums, damsons and cherries, with a hint of tobacco and leather. Though enjoyable drinking now, this is one that will last.




12 October 2019

Pinotage Day is Today

Today, 12 October, is International Pinotage Day 2019. 




Join me in celebrating with a glass of Pinotage.

07 October 2019

Kanonkop Pinotage Tasting at Vivat Bacchus

To London’s Farringdon Vivat Bacchus Restaurant and Wine Bar for a tasting of five Kanonkop Estate  Pinotages from 1993 to 2000.

There are 14 of us in the lower basement room. Our host is South African owner Gerrie Knoetze. The bottles, which come from the restaurant's cellar, were opened an hour before the start of the 7pm tasting.

We have a fresh ISO glass for each wine, which are served in turn. All wines are the Estate bottling.

Gerrie starts with a brief history of wine in the Cape, Pinotage and Kanonkop.

Gerrie Knoetze

1993 – it’s hard to realise this wine is 26 and a half years old. It has good colour though fading and light bodied. It’s quite austere, offering flavours of dried fruit, leather and tobacco.

1995 – slight vegetal nose, light bodied but lots more fruit on the palate. With time in the glass, and returning to it we are surprised how it has opened and added mocha to its flavours
.
1997 – touch of mustiness on the nose, and colour is fading. While there’s richer fruit flavours, this tastes older and more closed

1998 – darker colour, cedar wood, strawberry and cherry tastes, enjoyable drinking

2000 – tastes young, fresh rich deep colour, beautiful sweet berry fruit flavours.

A vote on the favourite wine of the night was split between the 1998 and 2000.


A Pair of Pinotage Podcasts

Beyers Truter cellar master and owner of Beyerskloof was on air at Cape Talk 567AM Radio talking Cape Blends with wine writer Malu Lamber and host Zain Johnson.

Why have a Cape Blend starring Pinotage? Beyers says "If you taste a Bordeaux blend, it reminds you of Bordeaux. If you taste an Italian blend, it reminds you of Italy. You taste a Cape Blend, it reminds you of the Cape". 

The talk, which lasts 17 minutes, can be listened to here.


In the USA Johan Malan, cellar master and owner of Simonsig was interviewed by Scott Greenberg of Washington D.C.'s WTOP 103.5 FM  Radio. Johan discusses the role Pinotage plays in Simonsig's Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rose MCC sparkler, the history of Simonsig  and their Redhill Pinotage.

They open and taste Simonsig wines and Scott Greenberg says: "Until now, I was generally not a fan of Pinotage. But the 2016 Simonsig Estate Redhill Pinotage made me a big fan of the hearty red grape."

The interview, which lasts 46 minutes, can be listened to here. The same page has Scott Greenberg's notes on the wines they tasted.


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02 October 2019

Upcoming Kanonkop Pinotage Tasting in London

Five mature vintages of Kanonkop Estate's Pinotage will be poured next 7pm, Monday 7 October, at a tasting organised by London's Vivat Bacchus restaurant.



The wines, from Vivat Bacchus's cellar, will be tasted from oldest to youngest, starting with 1993 vintage, then 1995, 1997, 1998 and finishing with 2000.

Tickets cost £39 plus booking fee. Attendees are offeredt a 15% discount on food and wine when they eat at the restaurant before or after the tasting.

See you there!

Details and booking here

30 September 2019

WoTM - Short Street Pinotage Barbera 2018


My Wine of the Month for September is Short Street Pinotage Barbera 2018




I’ve not seen this blend before, so had to try it and was glad I did.

The winery behind the wine is not mentioned on the label, but as Short Street is “the shortest street in Riebeek Valley” and the appellation is Swartland I guessed it was made by Riebeek Cellars, which was confirmed by its A-Code - A250.



Riebeek don’t have such a blend shown on their website, so perhaps it is a special  bottling for UK importers Off-Piste Wines. It has a UK specific back label.


The blend proportions aren’t available, but since Pinotage is listed first I assume Barbera is the junior partner. However, from the taste there’s more than a dash of it.


On the nose there’s cedar wood and berry fruits. The wine is a rich damson red colour and it has a creamy mouthfeel backed by tannins. Barbera’s bright fruitiness shines. I really enjoyed this wine which had lots of fruit and spice.


It’s bottled in the Cape and closed with a screwcap. It cost £9.99 from Majestic in the UK
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18 September 2019

No More Vin de Francois Auctions

For the past 11 years Le Vin de Francois has been launched with an auction where all the bottles were sold. The only way to get this wonderful wine was by bidding or from someone who had a winning bid.

Francois Naudé with his wine
Now Francois Naudé has decided that in future "I will dedicate my time to bringing Le Vin de Francois to many more people" he has written to auction attendees.

The wine will now be released "on a particular date", but details of when this will be, and how and where to buy the wine are yet to be announced.

08 September 2019

Forbes Reviews 7 Pinotages


John Mariani, Senior Contributor at Forbes Magazine says ‘More Quality Wines from South Africa Enterthe Global Market’. By ‘global’ he means the US market, and in a two part article he reviews the following Pinotages, priced from $12 to $58.

Beeslaar Pinotage 2017

Southern Right Pinotage 2018

Ashbourne Pinotage 2016

Lievland Pinotage 2017

M.A.N. Family Wines Pinotage 2017

Ken Forrester Petit Pinotage 2018

Backsberg Pinotage Rosé 2018



He says “I find that so many are so well priced and that Pinotage is so critical to the country’s viniculture means that it is now expressive of individual vintners’ own style.”


Part 1

Part 2

31 August 2019

WoTM - Leeuwenkuil Family Vineyards ‘Definition’ Pinotage 2018


My Wine of the Month for August is Leeuwenkuil Family Vineyards ‘Definition’ Pinotage 2018.




Definition is a label of Majestic Wine Warehouse in the UK. They say ‘Definition sets out to capture the quintessential qualities of the world's greatest wine styles. If you want to meet the most famous and revered styles, regions and grape varieties then this is the place to start.’ 


Pinotage is a tricky variety for to claim you’ve captured the ‘most famous and revered style’, as there are many interpretations and the variety is young enough that one style has yet to be accepted as standard. Of course, that’s what makes Pinotage exciting.



The advantage for a retailer of an own label is that they can put marketing effort into their brand while changing supplier, and some Definition wines don’t reveal who actually produces the wine behind the label.


But this wine, the first time that Pinotage  has appeared under the Definition label is clearly shown as being produced and bottled by Leeuwenkuil Family Vineyards. It is Wine of Origin Voor-Paardeberg and has the Wine  & Spirit Board seal on its neck.



It’s a screw capped bottle and on opening gave juicy blueberry nose. It was warm and inviting, with a lovely deep colour and depth of fruit flavours underpinned by a hint of dark chocolate. This is a well made wine that just slips down, and just 13.5% abv.



Majestic’s website says this wine had extra skin contact, and the back label says the fruit came from old bush vines, but what – if any – wood treatment it had we don’t know. It doesn’t appear in Platter and Leeuwenkuil’s website is ‘under construction’.



30 August 2019

2019 Cape Blend Winners


The five winners of the 9th annual Perold Absa Cape Blend Competition are:

Asara Vineyard Collection Cape Fusion 2016
WO Stellenbosch: Shiraz, Pinotage, Malbec
Winemaker – Janette van Lill.
Clos Malverne Spirit of Malverne Limited Release 2015
WO Stellenbosch: Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Malbec. 
Winemaker- IP Smit.
Kaapzicht Steytler Vision 2017
WO Stellenbosch: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Merlot. 
Winemaker – Danie Steytler.
KWV Abraham Perold Tributum 2012
WO Coastal Region: Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Petit Verdot, Petit Sirah
Winemaker – Izélle van Blerk.
Wildekrans Cape Blend Barrel Select Reserve 2016

WO Botrivier: Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Shiraz. 
Winemaker – Braam Gericke

The winners were announced yesterday, 29 August 2019 at a prize ceremony at Lanzerac Wine Estate in Stellenbosch.

This is a record sixth win for KWV Abraham Perold Tributum. 
And Wildekrans will be celebrating as the only ones to win both the Absa Top 10 Pinotage and Perold Cape Blend competitions this year

Judges were: Convenor Wilhelm Pienaar (Hermanuspietersfontein), Janno Briers-Louw (Eenzaamheid), Samarie Smith (Benguela Cove), Nataleé Botha (Kleine Zalze) and Heinrich Kulsen (Nederburg). 

The rules have been amended with effect from the 2019 vintage that Pinotage should be the major component of the blend which must be between 30% and 70% Pinotage.


Pinotage Rose Winners 2019



Winners of the third   Pinotage Rosé competition, announced yesterday, are:

Alvi’s Drift Signature Pinotage Rosé 2019
Winemaker – Dr. Alvi van der Merwe
Beyerskloof Pinotage Dry Rosé 2019
Winemaker – Anri Truter
Landskroon Blanc de Noir Pinotage Off-Dry 2019
Winemaker – Michiel du Toit
Windmeul Pinotage Rosé 2019
Winemaker – Abraham van Heerden


Anri Truter of Beyerskloof was also a winnee in this years Absa Top 10 Pinotage Competition with his Wine Maker's Reserve 2017.

The judging panel was: Wilhelm Pienaar (Hermanuspietersfontein), Janno Briers-Louw (Eenzaamheid), Samarie Smith (Benguela Cove), Nataleé Botha (Kleine Zalze) and Heinrich Kulsen (Nederburg).

23 August 2019

Cape Blend and Pinotage Rose 2019 Competition Finalists


The ten finalists in the 9th annual Perold Absa Cape Blend Competition are:

Asara Vineyard Collection Cape Fusion 2016
WO Stellenbosch: Shiraz, Pinotage, Malbec. Winemaker – Janette van Lill.
Beyerskloof Faith 2016
WO Stellenbosch: Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot. Winemaker – Anri Truter.
Clos Malverne Spirit of Malverne Limited Release 2015
WO Stellenbosch: Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Malbec. Winemaker- IP Smit.
Flagstone Dragon Tree Cape Blend 2017
WO Western Cape: Pinotage, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mataro, Pinot Noir, Malbec. Winemaker-Gerhard Swart.
Kaapzicht Steytler Vision 2017
WO Stellenbosch: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Merlot. Winemaker – Danie Steytler.
KWV Abraham Perold Tributum 2012
WO Coastal Region: Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Petit Verdot, Petit Sirah. Winemaker – Izélle van Blerk.
Cape West Cabernet Sauvignon/Pinotage 2018 (Namaqua Wines)
WO West Coast Region: Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker – Reinier van Greunen.
Rooiberg Winery Reserve  Cape Blend 2015
WO Robertson: Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz. Winemaker – André Scriven
Wellington Wines La Cave Cape Blend 2016
WO Wellington: Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz. Winemaker – Francois van Niekerk
Wildekrans Cape Blend Barrel Select Reserve 2016
WO Botrivier: Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Shiraz. Winemaker – Braam Gericke

From these ten, 5 winners will  be announced on 29 August 2019 at Lanzerac Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. 

This year the rules have been amended. While a Cape Blend must be between 30% and 70% Pinotage, from the 2019 vintage Pinotage should also be the major component.

Judges are: Convenor Wilhelm Pienaar (Hermanuspietersfontein), Janno Briers-Louw (Eenzaamheid), Samarie Smith (Benguela Cove), Nataleé Botha (Kleine Zalze) and Heinrich Kulsen (Nederburg).
 


The third year of the Pinotage Rosé competition has  more than doubled the entries with 26 wines this year. The four finalists are:

Alvi’s Drift Signature Pinotage Rosé 2019
Winemaker – Dr. Alvi van der Merwe

Beyerskloof Pinotage Dry Rosé 2019
Winemaker – Anri Truter
Landskroon Blanc de Noir Pinotage Off-Dry 2019
Winemaker – Michiel du Toit
Windmeul Pinotage Rosé 2019
Winemaker – Abraham van Heerden

Congratulations to all.

19 August 2019

Diemersfontein launch Prodigy, an everyday Pinotage

Diemersfontein has added a new wine to their Pinotage portfolio.

Joining the original ‘coffee & chocolate’ Pinotage and the serious age-worthy Carpe Diem is The Prodigy Pinotage.

The Prodigy is fermented in stainless steel tanks with minimal oak influence. “We had a particular fruit-driven style in mind for The Prodigy and we didn’t want oak to dominate the wine, only to give it a little bit of structure and backbone,” said cellar master Francois Roode, “it’s a lighter fruit-driven style for everyday enjoyment.”  

Also new is the label of the popular ‘coffee & chocolate’ Pinotage which has been redesigned and titled “The Original”.

Ex farm, the Prodigy is priced at 75R, the Original at 127R and Carpe Diem at 230R 

The 15th year of Diemersfonteins’ ‘Pinotage on Tap’ celebration of the latest Pinotage vintage still has three dates this year to attend in South Africa – 24 August in Gauteng, 28 September at Diemersfontein and 2 November in Clarens. Details here.



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15 August 2019

2019 Pinotage Top 10 Winners



Winners of the 2019 Absa Top 10 Pinotage Competition were announced last night at an awards function at Boschendal. They are:

Anura Reserve 2016
WO Simonsberg-Paarl (Anura), winemaker Stander Maass

Badsberg  2018
WO Breedekloof (Badsberg Wynkelder), winemaker Henri Swiegers

Beyerskloof Winemaker’s Reserve 2017
WO Stellenbosch (Beyerskloof Wyne), winemaker Anri Truter

Diemersdal Reserve 2018
WO Durbanville (Diemersdal Landgoed), winemaker Thys Louw

Fleur de Cap Series Privee  2016
WO Coastal Region (Distell – Fleur du Cap Wines), winemaker Pieter Badenhorst

Kanonkop Estate 2015
WO Simonsberg-Stellenbosch (Kanonkop Wine Estate), winemaker Abrie Beeslaar

Overhex Survivor 2017
WO Swartland (Overhex Wines International), winemaker Ben Snyman

Simonsig Redhill  2017
WO Stellenbosch (Simonsig Landgoed), winemaker Debbie Thompson

Vondeling Bowwood 2016
WO Voor Paardeberg (Vondeling Wines), winemaker Matthew Copeland

Wildekrans  Barrel Select Reserve 2016
WO Botrivier (Wildekrans Wine Estate), winemaker Braam Gericke


This is the 14th win for Kanonkop, the 9th win for Beyerskloof and the 8th for Diemersdal.


Beyers Truter, chairman and founder of the Pinotage Association, highlighted that Pinotage’s quality continues its upwards curve and that the market for wines made from this cultivar continues to grow – locally and abroad. He said:

“The exceptional quality of the wines we’re seeing year after year shows us that producers, viticulturists and winemakers are pulling together. In the end it’s all about being in touch with one’s terroir. Absa shares this opinion and has been a partner of the Pinotage Association for more than two decades. They also share our long term vision, which is one of Pinotage prospering worldwide.

What I also find particularly encouraging is the variety of styles possible with Pinotage. This year the extraordinary spread of winners hail from six wine regions, each with their unique style, character and challenges. Our young winemakers are a brave bunch and are pushing the boundaries of what their respective regions can offer in terms of not only quality, but also diversity.”




Museum Class Trophy Winners (wines older than 10 years)
Fairview Primo Pinotage 2007
WO Coastal origin (Fairview), winemaker Anthony de Jager

Hill & Dale Pinotage 2007
WO Stellenbosch (Hill & Dale), winemaker Guy Webber

Rijk’s Private Cellar Pinotage 2009
WO Tulbagh (Rijk’s Cellars), winemaker Pierre Wahl

31 July 2019

WoTM - Simonsig 2016

There weren't many opportunities to enjoy Pinotage in July as a large chunk of it was spent in Ukraine and Wales, but our hotel at the end of the month in Criccieth, Wales had a selection of Simonsig wines, and so after an aperitif of Kaapse Vonkel 2013 MCC (lovely matured sparkling wine) we had my Wine of The Month Simonsig Pinotage 2016.

I'd always thought Simonsig's white label Pinotage was unwooded, but the fact sheet for this vintage of the wine says that  36% of the wine was matured on French oak staves.

It was delightfully fresh, offering bold fruit flavours with  gentle tannins on the finish to make another glass a necessity.

26 July 2019

2019 Pinotage Top 10 Finalists

Absa Top 20 Finalists:

Anura Reserve 2016
WO Simonsberg-Paarl (Anura), winemaker Stander Maass

Badsberg  2018
WO Breedekloof (Badsberg Wynkelder), winemaker Henri Swiegers

Beyerskloof Winemaker’s Reserve 2017
WO Stellenbosch (Beyerskloof Wyne), 
winemaker Anri Truter

Lutzville Francois le Vaillant 2016
WO Lutzville Valley (Cape Diamond Wines), winemaker Christoff de Wet

Diemersdal Reserve 2018
WO Durbanville (Diemersdal Landgoed), winemaker Thys Louw

Diemersdal MM Louw 2017
WO Durbanville (Diemersdal Landgoed), winemaker Thys Louw

Fleur de Cap Series Privee  2016
WO Coastal Region (Distell – Fleur du Cap Wines), winemaker Pieter Badenhorst

Kanonkop Estate 2015
WO Simonsberg-Stellenbosch (Kanonkop Wine Estate), winemaker Abrie Beeslaar

Kanonkop Estate 2017
WO Simonsberg-Stellenbosch (Kanonkop Wine Estate), winemaker Abrie Beeslaar

KWV The Mentors 2017
WO Coastal origin (KWV), winemaker Izéle van Blerk

Môreson Widow Maker 2016
WO Stellenbosch (Moreson), winemaker Clayton Reabow

Overhex Survivor 2017
WO Swartland (Overhex Wines International), winemaker Ben Snyman

Simonsig Redhill  2017
WO Stellenbosch (Simonsig Landgoed), winemaker Debbie Thompson

Simonsig Redhill  2016
WO Stellenbosch (Simonsig Landgoed), winemaker Debbie Thompson

Viljoensdrift River Grandeur Single Vineyard  2017
WO Robertson (Viljoensdrift Associated Wineries cc), winemaker Fred Viljoen

Vondeling Bowwood 2016
WO Voor Paardeberg (Vondeling Wines), winemaker Matthew Copeland

Wildekrans  Barrel Select Reserve 2016
WO Botrivier (Wildekrans Wine Estate), winemaker Braam Gericke

Wildekrans  Barrel Select Reserve 2015
WO Botrivier (Wildekrans Wine Estate), winemaker Braam Gericke

Windmeul The Legend Collection 2017
WO Coastal origin (Windmeul Kelder), winemaker Abraham van Heerden

Windmeul Reserve 2016
WO Paarl (Windmeul Kelder), winemaker Abraham van Heerden

Pinotage Icon / Museum Class Finalists

Fairview Primo Pinotage 2007
WO Coastal origin (Fairview), winemaker Anthony de Jager

Hill & Dale Pinotage 2007
WO Stellenbosch (Hill & Dale), winemaker Guy Webber

Rijk’s Private Cellar Pinotage 2009
WO Tulbagh (Rijk’s Cellars), winemaker Pierre Wahl

In this, the 23rd year of the Pinotage Top 10 Competition, 116 entries were received. In the first round of judging the top 20 wines are selected as finalists, and the winning top 10 chosen from these will be announced on 14 August 2019.
Five wineries each have 2 wines in the 20: Diemersdal, Kanonkop, Simonsig,  Wildekrans and Windmeul.

The judging panel comprised Winnie Bowman (Cape Wine Master) chairing the judging.  Greg Sherwood MW (London based Wine Master), Razvan Macici (award winning winemaker), Nomonde Kubheka (winemaker connected to Pinotage Youth Development Academy), Frans Smit (Spier cellarmaster) and Solly Monyamane (protégé). 
Association chairman Beyers Truter says, “The Pinotage Association finds the exceptional quality of the wines produced by members hugely rewarding, and even more so the very representative list of finalists from most of the major South African wine regions. Several industry veterans, including me, are really proud of how Pinotage has grown in stature – a decade ago nobody would have believed that consumer demand would ever allow for some of the iconic Pinotage wines to eventually sell for as much as R1000 per bottle or even more!”

Tina Playne, Absa’s Head of Sectors and Segments Relationship Banking,  wishes the finalists well and confirms how proud Absa is of its association with the event for the past 23 years. She added that it is a great privilege to have walked such a long path with a classic slice of South African wine heritage that is Pinotage"