Diemersfontein (South Africa) Pinotage 2003
‘Blockbuster’ is the only way to describe this new wave South African Pinotage from winemaker Bertus Fourie (bottled in screwcap). Ageing in 100% French oak barrels has given the nose a fabulously deep fresh-ground coffee and chocolaty plushness, with layers of ripe, bursting blackberries, vanilla-pods and plums. The nose really is sensational. Onto the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, and packs a real bittersweet punch with Pinotage’s hallmark astringency tempered by super-sweet raspberry and black fruit and more of that enveloping espresso character. The finish shows tight, grippy tannins and acidity, adding some nerve and cut to keep this overflowingly sweet wine tempered and savoury. One for Pinotage sceptics to try surely? £6.99 Waitrose.
