Dense purple hues, with evocative aromas of black cherries, ripe plums, nectarines, boysenberry, wild bramble and exotic oak spice. The juicy and sweet-fruited palate entry, combined with crunchy tannins, lures one into a sense of overtness, yet the wine is sublimely elegant and poised. The complex layers of fruit is in perfect harmony with the oak, all bound together by a lively seam of acidity. The finish is pleasantly dry and savory, with lingering notes of Christmas cake and vanilla pod.
Barbequed meats, especially venison and beef / bobotie / lamb curry / seared tuna / spicy Asian-styled cuisine / aromatic curries / duck with sweet plum sauce / beef or lamb burgers / pizza
"Francois van Niekerk only makes one red, but what a wine it is. Combining grapes from a pair of old-vine parcels in Agter Paarl and Wellington, it's a scented, effortlessly concentrated, well-balanced Pinotage with stylish 70% new oak, detailed, layered tannins, plum, liquorice and blackberry flavours and the concentration to age. 2024-30."
- Tim Atkin (South Africa 2023 Special Report), 94 pts
- Concours Mondial Bruxelles 2022, GOLD MEDAL
- Tim Atkin (South Africa 2022 Special Report), 94 pts
"After 24 months of oak aging, this wine offers subtle baking spices and herbs on the nose. It's full-bodied, with a good tannic structure and excellent acidity lifting a savory palate. Smoke, basil, rosemary and plenty of black and red fruit are accented by cooking spices. Drink now–2030. - Jesica Vargas"
- Wine Enthusiast (October 2023), 92 pts
"A full-bodied and brooding wine. Precisely balanced with red cherries, blueberries, coffee, and chocolate with silky tannins and refreshing sour cherry acidity. Serious pedigree here."
- Decanter WWA 2021, 96 points and Gold Medal
The grapes for the Francois van Niekerk Pinotage are sourced from two very special, but distinctly different vineyards sites:
50% from the Agter Paarl region – produces a big, heavily-structured wine.
50% ...
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