WoTM - Doran Vineyards Family Reserve Pinotage 2023

 My Wine of The Month for February is Doran Vineyards Family Reserve Pinotage 2023, WO Voor-Paardeberg.

It was in September 2016 that I had my first and, though I didn't then  know it, last Doran Vineyards wine when I met owner Edwin Doran at a wine show. (see here)

So I was pleased to see this wine in an independent wine shop, all being at more than three times the cost it is in South Africa.

In the intervening years the wine has acquired a smart modern front label and a well-designed informative rear label. But what  about the contents? 

This is so drinkable, light red berry fruits to the fore. It lightly wears its 16 months stay in older oak casks; it doesn't taste oaked. I remember wine industry guru Duimpie Bayley saying that oak aging should be like a dance floor, offering support without its presence being noticed.

The bottle had emptied before we noticed.