Beyerskloof Kriekbult Pinotage 2023

Unlike Beyerskloof’s blended Pinotage expressions, where Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot soften and reshape the variety, Kriekbult is Pinotage on its own terms, drawing all of its structure from vine age and site rather than from other grapes. That makes it a more direct answer to the question of what mature, well-farmed Pinotage actually tastes like. For buyers in Kenya looking for a serious, ageable Pinotage rather than an easy-drinking entry point, this is one of the more specific and provenance-driven options at The Wine Box, from the producer most closely associated with rebuilding the grape’s reputation in the first place.

Tasting Notes

Deep dark red through the middle of the glass, the kind of colour concentrated old vines tend to produce. The nose opens with blackberry and cassis, dense rather than jammy, and behind that sits a layer of dark plum with a trace of chocolate lifting off the oak. On the palate the entry is powerful without being heavy, a texture built from ripe fruit rather than added weight. What comes through mid-palate is layer after layer of dark fruit, held together by tannins that are firm but not gripping, and a thread of spice that carries from the vineyard rather than the barrel. The oak shows itself as structure more than flavour, well integrated after eighteen months rather than sitting on top of the wine. The finish runs long and stays fruit-driven the whole way through, the kind of length that signals real ageing potential rather than a wine that peaks in the first sip and fades.

Food Pairing

This is a wine that wants weight on the plate. Honey-glazed pork ribs and barbecued lamb chops are the winemaker’s own recommendation, and the pairing logic holds up: the char and the glaze meet a wine with enough tannin and fruit density to stand its ground. A meat lover’s pizza does the same job on a more casual night. Braised meats and anything cooked low and slow give the tannins something to work against without being overwhelmed. For a Nairobi dinner where the occasion calls for a bottle worth talking about rather than just pouring, this is the one to open, ideally with something rich enough to match it.

What You Need to Know:

What makes Kriekbult different from Beyerskloof’s other Pinotage wines?
It’s the estate’s first single-vineyard release, made entirely from 28-year-old bush vines on the Kriekbult farm. Most of Beyerskloof’s other Pinotage wines blend fruit from multiple sites; this one is tied to a single, older vineyard.

Is this wine worth ageing, or should I drink it now?
It’s built to age. The winemaker states it will develop well for 10 years or longer, and the tannin structure and fruit concentration support that. It also drinks well now if opened with the right food.

How does this compare to a standard entry-level Pinotage?
Considerably more concentrated. Old bush vines produce far less fruit than younger plantings, and that lower yield translates into more density and structure in the glass. This is not an everyday drinking Pinotage.

What food works best with this bottle?
Honey-glazed pork ribs and barbecued lamb chops are the winemaker’s own recommendation. Braised meats and a meat-heavy pizza also hold up well against the tannin structure.

Should I decant this before serving?
A 30 to 45 minute decant will help, particularly if the bottle is young. The tannins are firm enough that some air makes a noticeable difference.

What should I do if this bottle is out of stock?
Our customer service team can help you find a suitable alternative or source the product where possible.

Is Beyerskloof Kriekbult Pinotage available for same-day delivery in Nairobi?
Nairobi orders placed before 9 PM qualify for same-day delivery, typically completed within a 1-hour window. Free delivery applies to orders above KES 3,000 within Nairobi. Orders outside Nairobi are delivered nationwide across Kenya within 24 to 48 hours.