Wine Review: Lions Drift 2009 Pinotage, South Africa

This was my first opportunity to sample a Pinotage.  This Pinotage is 100% pinotage. After sampling it, I realized that it is a great alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon. Not that it takes the place of Cabernet Sauvignon, but it is a great alternative red wine for any red wine lover to try. Sometimes we have to spread our wings and fly in the world of wine, there are so many wines to explore and add to our personal wine world. My definition of a " personal wine world" means that I know about it, I liked it and I will purchase it. That is how I grow ans a wine lover. I enjoy moving out of my comfort zone when it comes to wine; you never know what you may find inside the bottle. I was lucky this time!

This wine has a dark garnet color. The nose is unique because it has those dark fruit aromas like black currant and plum, but there were notes of spice and a hint of almond. The palate has those same dark fruit flavors, along with that vanilla and spice from the oak barrels. But here is a hint of coffee, slight herbal notes (which provides that "something interesting note" on the palate), and a bit of earth (terroir) in this interesting red wine. The mouth feel is round and has a nice weight on the palate, and a nice length in regards to its finish.

This wine begs to be paired with food, especially beef. I paired it with a burger, which I felt brought out the wonderful lush dark fruit flavors of this wine and some of its unique herbal notes. I would love to see this wine poured at a party, with beef burger sliders as the perfect pairing. I think this would be a fun way to introduce your friends to this wine. I love sharing new wines and great foods pairings with my readers. I would also pair this wine with a grilled steak topped with sage or rosemary compound butter. Cahill Porter cheese or a Sharp Cheddar would be great pairings as well. Note: This wine was a sample provided by Silkbush Mountain Vineyards Western Cape, South Africa http://www.Silkbush.com  SRP $18.00 For further information, contact Alana@silkbush.com