2012 KANONKOP KADETTE - KISS ME GOODNIGHT SERGEANT MAJOR

Cape blends are a distinctive style, unique to South Africa, with Pinotage at their core. As anyone acquainted with Pinotage will know, it its worst it can be vile; volatile, unpleasant tannins and with odd banana-like qualities. When its worst extremes are tempered, Pinotage can be rather pleasant, particularly when intelligently blended as in Kanonkop’s Kadette Cape blend.

Pinotage makes up just over 50% of this wine, the balance being filled by Bordeaux varietals. The result is a bright and savoury, harmonious wine that is delicious to drink. Tar and leather notes add genuine interest.

Given the breeding and proven pedigree of this wine, one could expect to pay $25 or thereabouts. At a mere $15 per bottle it is a dead set bargain. pice and tar follow. Quite classy and exceptionally good value for money.

2012 KANONKOP KADETTE
Producer: Kanonkop Estate
Variety: Cape Blend (Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc)
Vintage: 2012
Region: Stellenbosch, South Africa
ABV: 14.0%
Closure: Natural cork
Retail Price: $15.00
Date tasted: 7 August 2015

Tasting Note:
Deep ruby in appearance. Engaging nose of tobacco leaf, plum, leather, slightly earthy. Medium bodied, sweet fruited up-front, leather, spice and tar follow. Quite classy and exceptionally good value for money.
Score: 16+/20

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