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Francois Van Niekerk Pinotage
Francois Van Niekerk Wines
South Africa -

Dense purple hues, with evocative aromas of black cherries, ripe plums, nectarines, boysenberry, wild bramble and exotic oak spice. The juicy and sweet-fruited palate entry, combined with crunchy tannins, lures one into a sense of overtness, yet the wine is sublimely elegant and poised. The complex layers of fruit is in perfect harmony with the oak, all bound together by a lively seam of acidity. The finish is pleasantly dry and savory, with lingering notes of Christmas cake and vanilla pod.

Specifications
Wine Type
Red
Varietal(s)
100% Pinotage
Age of vines
Average 27 years
Soil type
Malmesbury Shale
Vinification
Vineyards are located in Paarl and Wellington.
Handpicked grapes were destemmed, sorted and fermented in open top fermenters at 270C. The cap was punched down every 2 hours during fermentation. The juice was drawn off the skins after 5 days. After fermentation, the wine was transferred to 225L French oak barrels made from carefully selected wood from the Tronçais forest. Malolactic fermentation took place in a combination of 70% new and 30% second fill barrels. The wine was matured for 24 months in barrel. Only 12 barrels produced.
Production
300 (9-liter cases)
Pairings

Barbequed meats, especially venison and beef / bobotie / lamb curry / seared tuna / spicy Asian-styled cuisine / aromatic curries / duck with sweet plum sauce / beef or lamb burgers / pizza

Reviews and News

2020 Francois Van Niekerk Pinotage - Gold Medal - Concours Bruxelles

2020 Francois Van Niekerk Pinotage - Gold Medal - Concours Bruxelles

concours bruxelles gold 2022

 

 

- Concours Mondial Bruxelles 2022, GOLD MEDAL 

 

 

 

2020 Francois Van Niekerk Pinotage - 94 PTS - TA

2020 Francois Van Niekerk Pinotage - 94 PTS - TA

tim atkin logo 250"The talented Francois van Niekerk is the CEO of Wellington Wines, but also makes a little Pinotage under his own label. Combining grapes from Wellington and Agter Paarl (hence the Coastal label), this is a very elegant, considered iteration of the variety, with beautifully integrated 70% new wood, velvety tannins and black cherry and wild strawberry fruit. 2023-28"

- Tim Atkin (South Africa 2022 Special Report), 94 pts

 

2020 Francois Van Niekerk Pinotage - 92 PTS - WE

2020 Francois Van Niekerk Pinotage - 92 PTS - WE

wine enthusiast 92 pts

"After 24 months of oak aging, this wine offers subtle baking spices and herbs on the nose. It's full-bodied, with a good tannic structure and excellent acidity lifting a savory palate. Smoke, basil, rosemary and plenty of black and red fruit are accented by cooking spices. Drink now–2030. - Jesica Vargas"

- Wine Enthusiast (October 2023), 92 pts

 

2019 Francois Van Niekerk Pinotage - 96 PTS - DECANTER

2019 Francois Van Niekerk Pinotage - 96 PTS - DECANTER

decanter gold 96pts 2021"A full-bodied and brooding wine. Precisely balanced with red cherries, blueberries, coffee, and chocolate with silky tannins and refreshing sour cherry acidity. Serious pedigree here."



- Decanter WWA 2021, 96 points and Gold Medal

 

Producer Information: Francois Van Niekerk Wines

The grapes for the Francois van Niekerk Pinotage are sourced from two very special, but distinctly different vineyards sites:
50% from the Agter Paarl region – produces a big, heavily-structured wine.
50% ...
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