Simonsig Pinotage 2009

Grape                              : Pinotage
Country of Origin : South Africa
Region                           : Stellenbosch
Vintage                          : 2009
Alcoholic Content : 14.5%
Producer                      : Simonsig

Damage to my purse : Drank this at The Woods (a causal wine bar) at S$50+.

Characteristic :
This was translucent ruby and light to medium bodied.
On the nose, it has fresh fragrance of berries and light licorice.
On the palate, it was similar to a non-dry Pinot Noir.  It was sugary delicious (but not of dessert sweet), juicy fruits that of mouth-watering, and mildly tannins.  It was very smooth and extremely easy to drink.

MY TAKE : This wine tasted better on its own than pairing it with food.

Fairview Pinotage 2010

Grape                              : Pinotage
Country of Origin : South Africa
Region                           : Paarl
Vintage                          : 2010
Alcoholic Content : 14.5%
Producer                      : Fairview (since 1693)

Damage to my purse : Drank this at The Woods (a causal wine bar) at S$50+.

Characteristic :
This was dark purple and medium bodied.
It was slightly sharp and smoky on the nose with good aromas of dark fruits.
On the palate, it was full of zesty dark berries and very good balance of spices, tannins, and acidity.

MY TAKE : South Africa is famous for its Pinotage.  I have not drank many bottles of good Pinotage since most Pinotage were way too pungent on the nose and very earthy and spicy on the palate.  And to be fair, I also seldom lay my hands on the South African wines.  Surprisingly, the Fairview Pinotage 2010 is not too spicy and gentle on the nose.  I like the good balance of tannins, acidity and spiciness.