"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."
"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"
"The talented Francois van Niekerk is the CEO of Wellington Wines, but also makes a little Pinotage under his own label. Combining grapes from Wellington and Agter Paarl (hence the Coastal label), this is a very elegant, considered iteration of the variety, with beautifully integrated 70% new wood, velvety tannins and black cherry and wild strawberry fruit. 2023-28"
- Tim Atkin (South Africa 2022 Special Report), 94 pts
"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