Umkhulu Pinotage 'The Big One' 2002

To start off with, this blend of pinot and cinsault is decidedly a rather strange wine. That said, I'd have to say it's a new favorite. The color is something of an orange pink. Plenty of the mint that South African wines are famous for on the nose, along with some bananna walnut bread. On the attack -- which is very smooth -- is some more of the mint, and a bit of spice. The midpalate tastes of plums and the wine finishes off with a very dry, tannic grand finale. Overall, it's well balanced -- though just a little bit on the hot side (actually quite hot on the nose) -- smooth, and crisp. I'd read more...say it's a very admirable four, out of five.    (hide)

August 2007

Definitely took some getting used to, but by the end of my glass I was singing its praises! One of the few times I can recall being really surprised by a wine. I'm not even sure how to characterize the flavors except original.

September 2007

This wine has a somewhat hot nose accompanied by a fruity aroma. This is followed by a strong full-bodied flavor in the mouth marked by the taste of fruit - the plum is especially noticable. The strong sensation of tannins reduces the balance of this wine somewhat, and despite being also slightly on the dry side of my usual scale of preference, the wine remains quite enjoyable. I initially rated this wine as a 3, but have upped my rating to a four as I seem to enjoy this wine more as I go along!

August 2007

Powerful molasses and earth nose. Attack is very light -- I found that the real taste (leathery and dry) didn't begin to show until the wine was completely saturating my mouth. There's a lot going on here.

Somewhat hot but in a pleasant way. I think within a year or two it will be even better to drink.

The eucalyptus sticks around for a long time. I really enjoy the finish on this wine. It has a different, earthy menthol tinge. I haven't really tasted anything else like it. I think my rating takes into account in no small part the novelty and uniqueness.

August 2007

Intriguing nose of plums, eucalyptus and oak. In the mouth an attack of surprisingly strong tannins, but its counterbalanced by minty notes, fruit and vanilla from the oak. A slightly barnyard and mineral finish. Good.

August 2007