Interesting manefesto in defense of a much maligned variety:
Not being a tea drinker, I had to look up rooibos. I’m not sure I want my wine to taste like hoisin or sweet and sour (contribution of the acetic acid, I suppose). Wine that needs to be acid balanced has a strike against it to begin with.
I’ve tasted bad Pinotage, and drinkable Pinotage. Just a couple of weeks ago I was poured one at a retailer’s tasting that I would be willing to serve. I still have not tasted one that I would buy.
P Hickner
3rd largest seller (of all wines) here last month was one called Bob’s that is just $9.99 and has been a huge hit at out bar.
Maybe it’s because we have a couple of top flight SA importers here in Cali (Southern Stars and Fairest Cape) but I’ve never tasted one that remotely resembled the horror story TNs one sees from time to time.
I like Pinotage, but I haven’t looked one up in awhile. My favorite had been the Spice Route Pinotage Flagship, but I don’t think they make that bottling anymore, or else they’ve renamed it.
Roberto, what’s your favorite that’s available these days?
I always like Grangehurst and we’ve been tearing up both Lovechild (under $20, sold out) and the aforementioned Bob’s from the Western Cape.
In the past we have loved Southern Wright, Hidden Valley, Ayama, Delheim, Boekenhoutskloof, Kaapzicht and Villiera.
We have a large expat SA community here in Santa Monica so we are always on the lookout for more.
Here’s some POS from a few years ago:
If James Brown were a Winemaker: Give us da’ FUNK! Get on the Good Foot!
Hidden Valley Limited Release Pinotage 1998, Stellenbosch
From its striking, blue sharkskin / gold brocade packaging to its IN YO FACE bouquet and chunky smoked plum and peppery flavors and on to its soulfully long finish, this can handle cuisine from the Chitlin Circuit to Haute Nouvelle American, meatloaf to the wondrous mollejas asadas at The Goucho Grill…Soul Food, baby, bring it ON.
different palates, Roberto. I’ve only had a couple of the ones you mentioned, but I find them both undrinkable (multiple vintages), probably for the reasons you’ve seen in those horror story TNs.