Opening with dark cherry aromas, touches of black and red spice and a subtle hint of tar, the 2017 Kadette Pinotage is open knit in the glass. Medium to full-bodied, the wine is straightforward on the palate and shows untamed tannins over the drying finish that needs food to balance out.
The nose of the 2016 Kadette Pinotage is black fruited with an herbal and black spice edge, with soft hints of oak and juicy plums. The medium to full-bodied palate is plush with an open core of fruit, lingering oak on the back end and subtle herbs and spices, with a decent, spicy finish.
The 2014 Kadette Pinotage is a new release from the estate. It has a simple black plum and prune-like nose that takes time to settle in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, demonstrating a decent structure for an entry-level Pinotage, with plenty of freshness on the finish.
The nose is cleaner and purer than the Cape Blend, with quite lush, macerated black cherries, blackberry and cedar fruit, quite reserved but nicely focused. The palate is well-balanced with slightly furry tannins. There is good depth of fruit here and well-judged acidity, with pleasant black pepper notes toward the finish.