2008 Zafrika Pinotage - $4.99

Deep cranberry color. Tight nose with just a hint of smoke. Tart raspberry and some surprising green apple flavors make this an interesting wine, well worth trying at $5.

thumbs up - 83

2008 Zaràfa Pinotage - $3.99

After a recent suggestion from Gary Vaynerchuck to try some Pinotage, I picked up this dirt cheap little South African number and drank it along with some African Groundnut (peanut) stew that I'd made in the 'ol Crock-Pot. It's got an earthy fruit nose (as opposed to fruity fruit) that's a bit tight, even after severe decanting. I'd try and guess as to the type of berry I'm smelling in there, but this is review #3 on the blog and I'm just not there yet. The color is about as dark as see-thru can get, but with good lighting you'll be able to see your fingers on the other side. As for taste, there's some nice tannin structure with a hint of dirt berries. A great combination of earth and fruit with a light finish. In all, this is a nice entry into the earthy wine world for those of you who love the fruit bombs.

thumbs up - 85 points