Description
Vibrant crimson-red hue, with aromatic hints of cranberry, raspberry,
crème de cassis, and macerated cherries, complemented by subtle
undertones of oak spice, tobacco leaf, and Fynbos shrub. The palate is
opulent, decadent, with a framework of succulent plum and black cherry
flavours enhanced by French oak, fragrant spices, and a rustic herbal hint.
The wine presents a variety of flavours, including rich chocolate, wild
berries, and exotic spices, all complemented by a subtle and harmonious
oak influence that lingers on the finish. A wine that possesses the ability to age, exhibits complexity, and exudes elegance.
The grapes for the Beeslaar Pinotage is sourced from a 2.5 ha vineyard, situated on a south-eastern slope at about 200m above sea level, and is in close proximity to the Simonsberg mountain north of Stellenbosch. The area gets around 650mm of rain a year mainly through the winter. One of the key quality factors is the south-easterly wind that blow through most of the summer, that does not only cool down the vineyards, but also limits the growth of the bushvine plants.
The predominantly shale soils found in this vineyard imparts a unique earthy character to the wine, while the old bush vines always result in a smaller bunch and berry size, producing a wine of immense colour and flavour concentration.
Tasting Notes
Greg Sherwood 96
Always one of the most impressive premium Pinotages produced in South Africa since its maiden release in 2012, the Beeslaar Pinotage has a style all of its own, boasting a soft, silky, fleshy concentration and lifted perfumed aromatics that are simply to die for. The 2022 release was fermented in open top concrete vessels with punch downs every two hours before being matured for 20 months in 225-litre French oak barriques of which 50% were new and 50% were second passage. The aromatics are rich, intricate, and complex with classical Pinotage notes of sweet violets, bramble berries, black plums, black cherries and notions of savoury cured meats and smoky chargrilled steaks dusted with Chinese five spice and bruleed mocha choc nuances. Abrie always has an expert knack of coaxing out the most seductively silky plush textured mouthfeel from his reds and this 2022 is beautifully soft and supple, sweetly fruited, and impressively concentrated with bramble berry fruits, creme de cassis, black cherry confit topped with picante black chocolate and exotic vanilla oak spice notes. True to the Beeslaar style, the concentration is focused and intense, the acidity refreshingly vibrant and the tannins silky, sweet and luscious. Pinotage of this quality needs a little time to show at its best and this 2022 is just starting to show glimpses of its true greatness. Drink on release and over the next 10 to 15+ years [Greg Sherwood MW, 14/01/2025]
Tim Atkin 96
Beeslaar comes from a comparatively large, four-hectare parcel on shale soils and makes an interesting contrast with Kanonkop’s Black Label Pinotage. Pure, floral, ethereal and hauntingly perfumed, it has stylish, scented 50% new wood, fine-grained tannins, plum, strawberry and goji berry flavours and a lingering finish. [Tim Atkin MW, 14/09/2024]
Anticipated maturity: 2025-2035
