Simonsig, Frans Malan Cape Blend, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2016

The 70% Pinotage in this blend (married with Cabernet Sauvignon and a dash of Merlot) gives this a real South African character. This is a robust red that would be a perfect match for a stew or even a meat curry. Aged for 15 months in mainly French (20% American) oak, it's full-on, rich and ripe with dark plummy fruit and oak framing. A good introduction to Pinotage as the other grapes in the blend temper the distinctive varietal character. It's already got some age on it, but would keep for another year or two.