2009 Kanonkop Estate South Africa Pinotage

14.0% alc., $36.95. Imported by Cape Classics, New York, New York. Crafted from Kanonkop’s oldest vines up to 57 years old. Non-irrigated, bush vines in decomposed granite soil. 3-day cold soak in open-top fermenters, punch downs every 2 hours, aged 16 months in 70% new and 30% second fill French oak. · Deep purple color in the glass. Aromas of ripe dark red berries, damp wine cellar, loamy earth and dirty boot - like enjoying fresh berries with a person who hasn’t showered in a couple of days - fruity, earthy and a little stinky. Full-bodied, dense and rustic with black currant and black plum flavors. The fruit is tightly compressed in the wine’s prodigious tannins. Oak is evident but not overbearing. I would imagine that this wine would benefit from several years in the cellar. Good. Reviewed January 12, 2012

Winery: Kanonkop Wine Estate
From article: Loma Prieta Stakes a Claim for California Pinotage