Comments on: 2008 Zarafa Pinotage

By: Peter

Peter — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 00:37:11 +0000

I agree completely with TJ – manifestly inconsistent. The first bottle purchased a few days ago was quite pleasurable, especially considering the $4.36 price with tax. The second bottle is on the nasty side and I would return it except for the fact that I don’t wish to drive to the store. I will give it one last try.

By: TJ

TJ — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:25:37 +0000

This Pinotage is inconsistent but very nice for the price when you get a good bottle.

My first few bottles were very full-bodied, similar to a “jammy” zinfandel. Then two terrible, skunky bottles turned me off for awhile.

TJ’s ran out of stock, but now has it back. This time, it tastes more like an inexpensive fruit-forward pinot noir.

By: Carolyn

Carolyn — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 22:08:32 +0000

I had Pinotage when I was in South Africa this spring and was so glad to find this at Trader Joe’s. I think it’s great.

By: tom

tom — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:01:53 +0000

YUCK! What a revolting wine. I just took my first taste literally 2 minutes ago and it reminded me of the smell of burnt plastic. Avoid this wine.

By: jason

jason — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:44:03 +0000

@Guajo Interesting take, I remember this one as smoky... As for 12th bottle here is my description from the rating system. 12th Bottle * These are bottles that I don’t really intend to buy again but still have a chance to find their way home. This is generally happens when I am sitting there with 8 or 9 bottles and need to round out the case. They are certainly worth trying again as I thought I saw some potential, via a different food pairing or something of the sort, and want to give it another try.

By: Gaujo

Gaujo — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:53:14 +0000

PS: what does 12th bottle mean?

By: Gaujo

Gaujo — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:52:28 +0000

I tried this, if it is the one that lists plum on the label (I think it is) It is very different, very fruity, and a good party wine I think because it is interesting enough not to be grape juice wine, but simple enough for the un-initiated to enjoy it… And cheap! This will be a garden party selection for us this summer

By: Peter May

Peter May — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 09:15:40 +0000

Zarafa is a importers label for the USA. The wine is made by Mountain River Wines — see http://www.mountainriverwines.co.za/ — there is a PDF about the Pinotage you have.

In many ways Pinotage shares with its parent Pinot Noir the sad fact that while you can get a drinkable wine at low cost, for the most pleasure and expression of the variety you need to pay a little more.

Your suggestion of Warwick is a good one. I reviewed the 2005 Warwick here http://pinotageclub.blogspot.com/2008/11/three-ws-warwick-welmoed-wolf.html

Cheers