DFWE 2015 wines: John Stimpfig’s highlights

In my book, Kanonkop is the king of Pinotage - a grape which I confess to having a love hate relationship with. However, this is unquestionably one of the ones I adore, not least because it is their flagship take on the variety. The 2014 has just been released in South Africa and should hit the independent merchants' shelves in the next few weeks. Cropped at very low levels from bush vines which are over 60 years old this is richly complex and with dramatic black fruit, port like richness, spice, chocolate, bitumen, liquorice, toffee and floral juniper notes. The tannins are as ripe and rumbustious as is its foursquare flamboyant structure. Needs time, but will be well worth the wait. Just under 4,900 bottles made, so don’t delay. Tasted at Decanter Fine Wine Encounter 2015

<p><em>Tasted at Decanter Fine Wine Encounter 2015</em></p> <p>Interestingly, this outstanding 100% Tempranillo comes from a small, single vineyard opposite the hallowed terroir of Vega Sicilia and only 11,000 bottles were produced in 2009. Even though the wine has spent two years in oak, the nose is pure primary black and blue fruit with a whiff of menthol. The palate is packed with tobacco, rippling cassis, minerals and a savoury toasty note. The tannins are super smooth and fine grained. Lovely.</p>

This Bordeaux blend of 40% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc is powerfully sculpted with dense, brooding tannins balanced out by a lively kick of acidity. The intense black fruit is inky, with a bitter medicinal twist on the finish. A brilliant ensemble that cries out for a hearty stew or a slab of beef. It could also do with a couple more years in bottle to tame its tannins. Tasted at Decater Fine Wine Encounter 2015