In 1924 Prof Izak Perold cross-pollinated Pinot Noir with Hermitage (also known as Cinsaut), and the proudly South African cultivar of Pinotage was born. But it took another 30 years before the first bottled Pinotage was produced, and the cellar to do it was Lanzerac Wine Estate.
It’s from a single 19-year-old vineyard in the valley that wine maker Wynand Lategan sourced grapes for the estate’s flagship wine, a limited release of only 4 700 bottles.
The 2015 vintage is widely hailed as one of the best in recent memory. In fact, Lategan says, ‘the Pionier Pinotage 2015 is probably the best wine in the history of the Lanzerac Wine Estate.’ Little wonder the Pionier 2015 has already bagged five stars in the prestigious Platter’s guide.
Matured in barrel for 18 months, this is a wine built for investment, so aim to leave it in the cellar for at least another five years, preferably longer.
For more fine wine recommendations read our cover on the finest luxury wines to serve in 2018.
