2013 THICK AS THIEVES PINOTAGE - SHOCKED!

We don’t often see Pinotage in Australia. Many would say, all the better. A crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsault, at its worst, Pinotage can exemplify all that’s is wrong with wine; volatile with disjointed tannins. Yes, there are good examples of Pinotage in South Africa, both as single varietals, and as ‘Cape blends’. However, it is true to say that Pinotage is rarely associated with fine wine.

Here we have Pinotage from the Upper Yarra Valley given a make-over by one of Australia’s more talented young winemakers, the man behind the ‘Thick as Thieves’ label. This is Pinotage with a difference, made like a Beaujolais using whole bunch fermentation. The resulting wine is elegant, stylish and very attractive. It captures some of the best aspects of the variety, but with more finesse than one would expect from many of the best South African examples. There’s a lot to like here. Bravo ‘Thick as Thieves’!

2013 PINOTAGE
Producer: Thick as Thieves
Variety: Pinotage
Vintage: 2013
Region: Yarra Valley
ABV: 13.7%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $30.00
Date tasted: 30 November 2013

Tasting Note:
Bright cherry red. Interesting nose of rhubarb, cherry, cumin, bay leaf and aniseed. Dry, medium bodied and elegant. The bouquet is reflected on the palate which is fine and ‘pretty’. Elegant, stylish and genuinely interesting. Dangerously drinkable! Could give Pinotage a good name!!
Score: 17+/20