The Kleine Zalze is a fine example of varietal Pinotage made in a style that, despite its accessibility and modernity, has not wiped out all of the curious idiosyncrasies of the grape. This is the second of two bottles that I purchased a few months ago at Vintages. If I see more on my next visit, I'm a buyin' it.
14% alc. Cherry/dark-garnet core with a cherry-red hue toward the meniscus. Classic Pinotage aromas: bitter leather/tannery aromas, savoury smoked dried meat/salami and strawberry-banana purée. Smoky, leathery aromas on the fore-palate with a rather light texture immediately upon opening - something that I know will flesh out given a few hours to a day of aeration. Crisp acidity and moderate astringency with a dry texture. Forceful leathery aromas abound on the nose but there is no bitterness at all on the palate. Warm and savoury finish.
Pinotage remains my #1 favourite red vinifera grape due to its no-nonsense personality and the unique aromatic mélange that it presents. Not a Vintages release goes by that I don't scan the offerings for Pinotage to stock up on. Thank goodness that the varietal wine is featured quite often in the monthly releases. If anything, my only wish is that a few old-style Pinotages continued to make it to our shores.
