Community Tasting Note

sid_loves_wine Likes this wine:

Tuesday, September 5, 2023 - My first real deal Pinotage, not counting the Kanonkop "Kadette" blend 2017 I tried a while back. This started off extremely tight and hard-edged, but really blossomed with time in the bottle (no decant) especially into day 2.

Very peppery at first, almost a little reductive, sharp and spicy with only touches of dark fruit on the palate and seriously savory, BBQ-like finish. Blinded it as Syrah; finally guessed Pinotage when the country was revealed. After a couple hours we got more of a spiced plum tone, really lovely, but still shy. Good acidity for sure, especially for a dark, dense wine, although the tannins were a bit coarse. Dusty and grippy texture.

Day 2 was really fantastic, as we shared the last glass and a half. Loads of spiced plum cake, a touch of fig, black licorice, etc really helping to calm the gritty tannins, and plenty of that meaty BBQ accent on the finish without being overwhelming. Would love to try another in 5 years, just awesome and truly unique, like a Syrah with a sort of Cab Sauv-like texture and structure. It's pretty funny how the crossbreed of two lighter red grapes can make something as brooding and dark as this.

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