Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Spier – Signature Collection – Pinotage – 2024
Western Cape – South Africa 🇿🇦

Overview
An entry-level Pinotage that leans into a more rustic and herbaceous expression of the grape. Designed for casual drinking, it highlights the approachable side of South Africa’s signature variety without aiming for depth or refinement.

Aromas & Flavors
Red and dark berries lead the profile, followed by earthy tones, dried herbs, and a subtle smoky edge. There’s a slightly raw, savory character that reflects a less polished style.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with moderate acidity and firm, slightly rough tannins. The structure feels a bit rugged around the edges, reinforcing its rustic personality.

Food Pairings
BBQ, grilled meats, sausages, burgers, or smoky dishes. Works best with food that can complement its earthy and savory profile.

Verdict
A straightforward and casual Pinotage that shows a more traditional, rustic side of the grape. Not the most refined expression, but a solid introduction to the variety’s earthier profile.

Did You Know?
Modern Pinotage styles vary widely: some producers embrace a cleaner, fruit-forward approach, while others lean into a more rustic, smoky, and herbaceous profile—like this one—reflecting traditional winemaking influences in South Africa.

🍷 Personal Pick
A good reference point for understanding the more rustic side of Pinotage, but I personally lean toward more structured and polished expressions of the variety. (see my other pinotage reviews) cheers! — 25 days ago

David White

9.2

Deep ruby colour with lighter crimson rim, nose of red/black fruits with savoury notes.
Smooth and silky tannins and really well integrated at 9 years.
Beautiful on palate with good aftertaste and a lingering finish. — 9 months ago

barak heller hayun

8.9

Sa chenin.
Feels a bit of a product.

Some tropics, 🍑, 🍏 grapefruit and some vanilla.

Full body.
Medium + acidity.

Long 🎯 with a backbone of bitterness

Really Improved pasta with NYT 'all purpose green sauce' and gauda with truffles cheese grated on top.

All in all nice in the evening.
Not so good the next day. — 2 years ago

David White

9.4

Starting to hit its straps at 8 years old
Excellent Cab Sauvignon well balanced with integrated tannins and alcohol
Just so positive about the consistency and value of this wine over the last 30 years.
I first “found” this at Morton’s in HK in 1996 and it’s been a favourite ever since, always with a good NY cut or porterhouse! — 2 months ago

David Shaw

8.9

67/33 blend of Syrah and Mourvèdre. Good acid, bone dry, mineral finish — 10 months ago

Will Stanley

9.4

Johan Reyneke’s Cornerstone blend is a match for many a decent Bordeaux, and in the 2018 vintage is particularly good. Replete with classical aromas of cassis, pencil shavings and cedar, the palate follows with great elegance, structure and a chalky, long finish. If anything, I’d prefer a little more savoury character as this tends towards sweetness (but not over-extraction), but it’s young right now! It’s extraordinary how inexpensive this wine is - it would knock the socks of some Bordeaux Crus Classés in a blind tasting. — 3 years ago

John Hagood

8.9

Chez Brower — 2 months ago

Peter Coulthard

9.0

Really good wine but remembered it better. Maybe I aerated it too well but lacked some of its usual smooth punch. — 3 months ago

Lisa McKinnon

9.1

Light tannins, somewhat fruit forward, reminded me of a Meritage. Good with filet. — 8 months ago

David White

9.3

See earlier notes and at 7 years old it’s integrating nicely and I’ve several I should consume next four years
Nose of berries cedar box and chassis
Smooth tannins and silky texture with Cabernet Franc to the fore
Plenty to like with a good long finish. — a year ago