Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Spier – 21 Gables Pinotage / 2020
Stellenbosch – South Africa 🇿🇦

Overview
A benchmark Pinotage from one of South Africa’s oldest wine estates, Spier (est. 1692). This single-varietal Pinotage highlights both Stellenbosch terroir and the estate’s commitment to sustainability and vegan-friendly practices.

Aromas & Flavors
A concentrated nose of ripe blackberry, plum, and mulberry intertwined with smoky mocha, sweet spice, and a touch of earthiness. On the palate, dark fruit depth melds seamlessly with cocoa and subtle oak.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet polished, with smooth, integrated tannins and a long, velvety finish. Rich and powerful, but retaining freshness that keeps it balanced.

Food Pairings
Grilled lamb chops with rosemary, smoky barbecue ribs, roasted root vegetables, or aged Gouda. A natural partner for bold and savory dishes.

Verdict
An exceptional Pinotage that balances tradition with finesse. It showcases why Stellenbosch is considered the spiritual home of the grape, and why Spier remains a leader in South African fine wine.

Did You Know?
Pinotage is South Africa’s signature grape, created in 1925 by crossing Pinot Noir with Cinsault (then known locally as Hermitage). Spier’s “21 Gables” line honors the Cape Dutch heritage architecture of the estate.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
A jewel of Stellenbosch. This vintage shows remarkable balance and depth, one of those rare Pinotages that leaves a lasting impression and deserves a spot in any serious collection. — 4 days ago

David White

9.3

Repeating earlier notes:
Deep ruby red colour with mouth filling creamy tannins predominantly blackberries with vanilla and hints of Cigar box plus some spices
Long dry lingering finish and aftertaste. Quite high alcohol at 14.8% but it’s not dominant
Classic style Cabernet - ageing nicely 😄 — 3 months ago

Lyn Farmer

9.4

A blend of the five Bordeaux varietals, this is an exceptional wine. There’s a great balance of acidity, velvet tannins and black fruit. Cassis, black cherry, black plum, a light toast and vanilla oak component and developing tertiary character of leather, forest floor and cigar box. Terrifically harmonious the wine is full bodied with a sense of being heavy. A joy to consume. — 3 months ago

Austin Hohnke

9.3

Great now and will age beautifully. Typical Muscat florals, but I love the balancing act of sugar concentration and acidity in this vintage. Elderflower and bruised stone fruit. Wonderfully fresh. 👌🏼 — a month ago

Martin Mazner

9.1

Smooth, rich balanced cab. Pure berry flavor with a touch of tannin. Flinty bouquet moderated by a hint of spice. Simply fantastic. — 2 months ago

with Naveen

Peter van den Besselaar

9.2

Vintage 2018 | An amazing lot of grapes together: Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Viognier, Verdelho, Rousanne, Semillon Gris, Semillon Blanc and Palomino. And then it tastes like… 🧐 white Burgundy. Awesome! Paired with tunafish. At Vista Willemstad. — 3 months ago

David White

9.3

Deep Ruby with slightly lighter ruby edge nose and palate of dark cherry flavours with some vanilla and tobacco flavours
Still maturing but will last a long time.
Great accompaniment to a NY cut steak. Should further mature for a decade or more.

— 4 months ago

Dave

8.9

I've been *trying* to lower my wine budget this year, and it's led me to some fun finds. This pinotage being a prime example, at under $20.
The nose is a massive smoke show with coffee, mint, and scorched earth. On the palette we have coffee, bacon, green herbs, orange peel, bubblegum (!), and tea leaves. There is so much going on here, I don't fully get it, but it's a fun ride. Would be best with food, although a steak would drown out a lot of these wild flavors.
Enjoying my Sunday afternoon and listening to Guy Lombardo.
Cheers, friends! — 2 months ago

David White

9.2

Deep ruby colour with lighter crimson rim, nose of red/black fruits with savoury notes.
Smooth and silky tannins and really well integrated at 9 years.
Beautiful on palate with good aftertaste and a lingering finish. — 3 months ago

Jess

8.9

Pale straw color.
Aromas of subtle citrus, herbaceous.
Dry. Flavors of snap peas, creamy lemon, soft tropical fruits underlying.

Intensity: 4/5
Complexity: 2/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 4/5 — 3 months ago