92 Points, 50% Off—South Africa’s Best Buy Now Just $12.99
| Tuesday Jul 22nd, 2025 | View in Browser |
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2020 Warwick "Three Cape Ladies" Red Blend Stellenbosch (Elsewhere $25) ($12.99) "At under $15 a bottle, this may be the best-value red wine I’ve tasted all year—from any country!"— Rachael Ryan, K&L South African Wine Buyer The 2020 Three Cape Ladies is a prime example of how South African Pinotage can truly shine when properly grown, vinified, and matured. As many wine lovers know, Pinotage is one of the most misunderstood varieties in the wine world. A cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, the grape was once widely overcropped and mass-produced, often resulting in wines with tarry or rubbery flavors and a bitter finish. In the hands of a skilled winemaker, however, Pinotage reveals its true potential—juicy black fruit character, firm tannic structure, and brisk acidity to tie everything together. This wine—60% Pinotage, blended with 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc, and matured in one-third new French oak—is a standout example. Tart wild blackberry, mulberry, and black plum leap from the glass, followed by hints of licorice and fennel frond. Bright, refreshing acidity energizes the palate, while ample but well-integrated tannins drive the long, structured finish. Subtle notes of vanilla and baking spice from the oak provide depth and polish. It’s hard to overstate the value here. At under $15 a bottle, this may be the best-value red wine I’ve tasted all year—from any country! It’s a fantastic pairing for grilled meats and vegetables, ideal for backyard barbecues, casual gatherings, or simply having on hand for a laid-back night in. -Rachael Ryan K&L South African Wine Buyer 
92 points Tim Atkin: "Back after a break in 2018 and 2019, Three Cape Ladies contains its highest-ever percentageof Pinotage, with 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc completing the blend.Modern, juicy and aromatic, with good colour and density, scented 31% new oak and amacedoine of bramble, cassis and strawberry." (01/2023) 91 points Wine Enthusiast: "This blend exhibits a fruit-forward nose, a touch of licorice and clove. Excellent acidity and firm tannins frame the intense flavors of blackberry and raspberries in the silky palate. As it opens up it reveals lingering notes of chocolate and smoke. (JV)" (09/2024)
You wouldn't know at first sniff that this is 60% Pinotage, though the other 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 8% Cabernet Franc you'd easily believe. There's generous amounts of red fruit in the nose, and a dusky sort of leather to accompany it. The palate has a nice line of red fruit at the beginning, and then a long touch of green peppercorn pyrazines pushing through until the acidity overtakes it and the fruit shines in again. This is a pleasant and really drinkable $13 bottle of wine, it's something you just don't really worry about - you just open it up and go for it. You can have this with some barbecue or pasta if you feel like it, but you could also just pop this bottle and have it with a glass and a couple friends or tell them to leave and have it with just your own thoughts. It'll work either way.
The first scents that I get out of this wine are very appealing ones of light chalk, red plum, black licorice (the Australian kind!) and a touch of peppery spice. On the palate, bright and creamy, with black raspberries, additional plum, tip of the tongue bright acidity and mellow spice box. This is an extremely pleasant wine for very little $ that will prove very versatile. I can see it being enjoyed with so many different kinds of foods from lighter fare (chicken, vegetarian dishes) to hearty stews and roasts. A very nice way to brighten up a lunch or dinner. This is what good Pinotage is all about! |
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