Bruce Jack Heritage Flag of Truce 2021

Flag of Truce leans into the newer carbonic and whole bunch style while still keeping enough structure and savoury depth to avoid feeling like a passing trend. Unlike Pinotage sourced from lower, warmer sites, this comes from one of the highest vineyards the variety is grown on anywhere, a factor widely credited for the wine’s freshness and acidity. For buyers in Kenya wanting to understand where serious Pinotage winemaking is heading rather than sticking with a more conventional style, this is one of the most critically decorated single vineyard Pinotage wines available at The Wine Box.

Tasting Notes

Deep red to garnet in the glass with a purple rim that signals its youth. The nose opens with a floral top note, plums and red cherry following close behind, with hints of fynbos and warm spice threading underneath. Ripe strawberry, mulberry and a touch of stewed pear and banana add further layers as the wine opens in the glass. On the palate the entry is pure and energetic, good fruit concentration meeting bright acidity and a distinctly crunchy tannin texture, the signature of the carbonic and whole bunch components at work. The wine is still young enough that this complexity doesn’t always follow through as fully on the palate as it does on the nose, and it rewards a bit of time to breathe before it fully opens up. The finish carries dark chocolate and a hint of Indian spice, closing on red fruit and a lingering savoury note from the sun-dried stems.

Food Pairing

Pinotage is genuinely versatile at the table, and this style in particular suits food with a bit of spice and char. Spiced, butterflied lamb straight off the braai is the classic match, the wine’s bright acidity and crunchy tannins cutting through the richness of the meat. A rich Indian curry also works well, the wine’s savoury spice notes echoing the dish rather than competing with it. Grilled sausages or a simple tomato-based stew round out the more casual end of the pairing range. For a Nairobi gathering built around the grill, this is a Pinotage with enough personality to hold its own against genuinely flavourful food.

What You Need to Know:

What does the carbonic maceration and whole bunch fermentation actually do to the wine?
It gives the wine a lighter, fresher, more crunchy tannin texture than traditional Pinotage winemaking typically produces. Twenty percent of the fruit goes through each process, which adds lift and brightness while the sun-dried stems added back during maturation bring some savoury structure to balance it.

Is this wine dry or does it carry any sweetness?
Fully dry. The plum, cherry and stewed fruit character reads as ripe rather than sweet, and the finish closes on dark chocolate and spice rather than any sugar.

Why is this vineyard considered so significant?
Silkbush farm sits at 720 metres, one of the highest Pinotage vineyards anywhere, and it’s widely regarded as the most awarded single vineyard Pinotage site in the world, responsible for numerous ABSA Top 10 wins over the years.

Should I let this wine breathe before drinking it?
Yes, it benefits from some time in the glass or a short decant. Being still relatively young, the full complexity on the nose doesn’t always show through immediately on the palate, and giving it air helps it open up.

What food pairs best with this wine?
Spiced, butterflied lamb off the braai is the classic match. A rich Indian curry also works well, along with grilled sausages or a simple tomato-based stew for something more casual.

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. Reach out before your event.

Can I get Bruce Jack Flag of Truce Pinotage delivered same day 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.