The deep colour was a little worrying...but I need not have feared, this is the style of Pinotage I enjoy. Pronounced mulberries, black wine gums, red and black cherries, cinnamon chewing gum, light soy, coffee grinds, pepper and a touch of smoke.

Over a few hours this started to take on Pinot Noir characteristics where only the lower acidity and slightly fuller body with more oomph halted any true confusion with its lighter parent grapes. Lovely powdery pomegranate seed tannins give texture and grip, and the darker berries, spices, and smokiness linger for a satisfying length of time.

I am most amused by how so many of my insta friends from other countries now influence the South African wines that I choose to purchase. This can only be  good news for SA wines - as it shows how widely the wines are being distributed and how far SA has come.