Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Spier – 21 Gables Pinotage / 2020
Stellenbosch – South Africa 🇿🇦

Overview
A benchmark Pinotage from one of South Africa’s oldest wine estates, Spier (est. 1692). This single-varietal Pinotage highlights both Stellenbosch terroir and the estate’s commitment to sustainability and vegan-friendly practices.

Aromas & Flavors
A concentrated nose of ripe blackberry, plum, and mulberry intertwined with smoky mocha, sweet spice, and a touch of earthiness. On the palate, dark fruit depth melds seamlessly with cocoa and subtle oak.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet polished, with smooth, integrated tannins and a long, velvety finish. Rich and powerful, but retaining freshness that keeps it balanced.

Food Pairings
Grilled lamb chops with rosemary, smoky barbecue ribs, roasted root vegetables, or aged Gouda. A natural partner for bold and savory dishes.

Verdict
An exceptional Pinotage that balances tradition with finesse. It showcases why Stellenbosch is considered the spiritual home of the grape, and why Spier remains a leader in South African fine wine.

Did You Know?
Pinotage is South Africa’s signature grape, created in 1925 by crossing Pinot Noir with Cinsault (then known locally as Hermitage). Spier’s “21 Gables” line honors the Cape Dutch heritage architecture of the estate.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
A jewel of Stellenbosch. This vintage shows remarkable balance and depth, one of those rare Pinotages that leaves a lasting impression and deserves a spot in any serious collection. — a month ago

Kerri

9.0

Good semi dry bubbly. Loved the tiny bubbles, holds up well. Not too sweet — 3 years ago

Kevin Arndt

Specialist Grand Vin Colorado

9.3

Tasted 8/21/2021
Drinking beautifully. Has aged with grace. I would say at its prime now. Great balance of fruit and secondary aromas. Oak has integrated and alcohol and acidity is spot on. — 4 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

My two-day Pork Chop marinade. I have found the Long Shadows Poet Leap to be the perfect pairing.

Here is the recipe. Try it sometime.

4-6 thick cut bone-in pork chops

- 1 cup hoisin sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of Tamari soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
- 2 scallions chopped
- 1 teaspoon Tabasco Sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of Lee Kim Kee brand chili sauce
-1 1/2 teaspoons of ginger finely chopped (I triple this)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of garlic finely chopped (again.
I double this)
- 3/4 cup of cilantro finely chopped (no stems)
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
— 4 months ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.3

Fundemex jbeckman — 2 years ago

David J. H. Ruiz

10

2/21/2022: Brunch TYP + Family — 4 years ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.6

Pepe garcia — 9 months ago

John Howard

Harvest production at Hirsch and Cobb Wineries

9.3

Wow! Super elegant. — 9 months ago

Alan Hense

9.2

Full bodied with classic notes of lanolin wet wool, ripe peaches, lemon and vanilla. — 3 years ago

OMG PEDRO

9.5

Amazing #vinako !! … Fresh and refreshing mid-weight Rivera del Duero. Gentle tannins. Expected low acidity and flavors of ripe strawberry fruit, herbs, leather, licorice, cocoa and tobacco but with complexity and a mineral smooth beautiful finish that one don’t expect in such a young wine… In my modest and humble opinion one of the BEST wine producers on the planet…. I am just looking at the bottle in disbelieve and thankfully thinking about however made this nectar of the Gods possible… Every HITO is exactly that : en event , a celebration, an accomplishment … What can I say … Thank you !! And keep it cming for years to come… — 4 years ago