“Being asked if I want another glass of wine is the same as being asked if I want more money....”

After the previous write up done on the Jordan Nine Yards Chardonnay, I thought it might be time again for a nice full-bodied red to steal the limelight. What better wine to choose than a true South African red, Beyerskloof Diesel Pinotage!

Pinotage is often referred to as “truly South African” and Beyers Truter as “the father of Pinotage”. After many decades of trials and tribulation, Beyers Truter, then winemaker at Kanonkop Estate won the International Wine Maker of the Year award in 1991, with a Pinotage. First time ever a SAFFA wine maker won this prestigious award and even more remarkable it was done with “the new kid (or shall I rather say wine) on the block” Pinotage. This cemented Pinotage’s reputation.

Beyers Truter left Kanonkop and took ownership of the farm in the Koelenhof area. Sixth generation descendant of the original owners, Beyerskloof could not have bestowed this on someone more fitting. From here the magic continued. At Beyerskloof the focus and devotion is on Pinotage.

The Beyerskloof Diesel is by far the crown prince of South African Pinotage. Named after Beyers Truter’s favourite dog “Diesel”. Diesel passed in 2008 – a very sad moment for Beyers. In Beyers’ own words “I cried for two weeks when Diesel died”. On the wall in his office there is an ode written about Diesel which clearly shows his love and affection for his best friend. “Diesel was not just a dog; he was much more. A HUGE dog with a huge heart of gold, eyes of a lion, balls of steel and teeth like scalpels...” One thing is for sure, there could not have been a more fitting tribute to his best friend than the wine produced in his memory.

The magic starts at harvesting, done from specifically selected blocks of the best grapes, meticulous efforts in the cellar regarding blending and tasting and finally a barrel selection process that spans over two years. This makes for a superior Pinotage that stands head and shoulders above its peers.

Just like “Diesel the Boerboel” this is a big structured wine with a gentle soul. The bouquet is blackcurrant and black cherry with some cedar undertones. On the palate, intense dark fruit flavours with a smooth and gentle finish of chocolate.

I enjoy one or three glasses of this wine with a well matured medium-rare rib-eye steak with a green, black and red crushed peppercorn and Maldon salt rub; served with sautéed peppers, aubergine ribbons and garlic buttered new potatoes. WOW!! Nothing more, nothing less... Just WOW!!! A quick FYI, decanting and aerating the wine roughly 45 minutes prior to serving is a must! This will enhance the overall drinking experience, accentuating the bouquet and flavours on the palate.

Well worth investing in one or two of these bottles for your cellar collection. Even though ready to drink right away, this wine will definitely get better with age. If patience is your thing and you can wait seven to ten years, you won’t be disappointed. Me, on the other hand... NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT!!