Today I am tasting the 2008 Spier Pinotage from the Stellenbosch region of South Africa. I assume this wine is made from 100% Pinotage grapes. It was acquired for under $10. Pinotage is a interesting grape that is a cross of Pinot noir and Cinsaut. It is widely associated with South Africa and is noted for sometimes having a Banana aroma.
Color
In the glass, this wine shows a nice thin garnet color.
Aroma
On the nose there is definitely banana. It is not really the peel, but more the fleshy inside fruit portion. It is very obvious on this wine and not one of those subtle aromas that is hard to detect. In addition there are also blackberry and mint components. I also get a hint of black cherry. Overall it is great and intriguing nose.
Flavor
On the attack there is dark plum. The mid-palate has cherries and a hint of creamy vanilla. The long finish is extraordinary with smoke, tobacco, and white pepper. This wine is very dry and medium to full-bodied. I detect no tannins so drink it young. It will pair well with BBQ meats.
Rating
I think the variety of flavors and aromas offered by this wine make it a winner. Don’t be fooled into thinking it will be a fruity red wine. It is definitely not. I rate it 88 points.
Have you tried a Pinotage?