2019 Barista Pinotage

Pinotage has long been a maligned grape. Though South Africa is known for pinotage, there are many South Africans who wish it did not exist. However truly exceptional pinotage can indeed be found. Created as a cross between pinot noir and cinsault in 1911, Barista creates a well-defined iteration. This wine states pinot very clearly yet the underlying notes of earth, mushroom, tropical fruits are nonetheless there, but not in the traditional banana way that many inferior pinotage are known for. This actually has a tropical element combined with blackberry, black cherry and almost mocha and coffee overtones. It is at once unusual, interesting and quite easy to drink, not to mention a terrific bargain.