Diemersdal The Journal Pinotage, Cape Town-C338

Even at this nascent stage, this shows a huge array of forest fruits including blueberry, blackcurrant, damson and cherry. Oak adds vanilla, cold ash and coconut, and there are spicy notes of clove and cinnamon. The palate is huge, with high alcohol and plenty of oak creating a big bruiser of a red that really needs a BBQ to show at its best. The ripe black fruit leads the charge but there are oaky and spicy notes that add complexity, and some gentle tannins to add grip. The finish is long, driven by oak, alcohol and fruit. 2028-2032 – MP