Dornier, Pinotage 2023
Dornier is a family owned winery situated in the ‘Golden Triangle’ of the famous Upper Blaauwklippen Valley – in the fine company of De Trafford, Waterford and Keermont. The property produces premium quality wines, with minimal intervention in the winery, that are expressive of the terroir.
Their single varietal Pinotage is made from a bushvines vineyard planted in the Swartland about 50 kilometres north of the Dornier Estate. In this area the soil consists of a combination of sand and coffee stone. The vineyards are not irrigated and the vines bear small bunches with small berries and wonderfully concentrated flavours.
The 2023 vintage has a deep garnet red appearance. The aroma is intense and persistent with notes of cherry and red berries with a subtle Turkish delight or rosewater backdrop. The palate has great concentration with distinct notes of plum, bitter cherry, strawberry jam and black pepper supported by restrained spicy oak flavours on the finish.
£20.70
Swartland
Pinotage
LightFull Bodied
Description
VINEYARDS
This wine is made from a bushvine vineyard planted in the Swartland about 50 kilometres north of Dornier. In this area the soil consists of a combination of sand and coffee stone. The vineyards are not irrigated and the vines bear small bunches with small berries and wonderfully concentrated flavours.
WINEMAKING
During harvest the grapes were hand harvested. A portion of the bunches were not destemmed and the wine was fermented in open stainless-steel tanks with pump overs performed four times daily. The fermenting Pinotage was pressed before it was dry and the fermentation was completed in barrel. Malolactic fermentation also took place in barrel, and the wine spent a further 18 months aging in French oak barrels, of which 10% were new.
TASTING NOTE BY THE WINEMAKER
This Pinotage has a deep garnet red appearance. The aroma is intense and persistent with notes of cherry and red berries with a subtle Turkish delight or rosewater backdrop. The palate has great concentration with distinct notes of plum, bitter cherry, strawberry jam and black pepper supported by restrained spicy oak flavours on the finish.
FOOD PAIRING
This wine is a fine accompaniment to roast meats and game. It also has the unique ability to pair well with dishes that have elements of spice, such as curries and Bobotie.
ANALYSIS
Alcohol: 13.5 % ABV | Residual sugar: 3.4 g/l | Total acid: 5.6 g/l | pH: 3.59; VA: 0.7 g/l.
Additional information
| Alcohol vol | 13.5% |
|---|---|
| Grape | Pinotage |
| Origin | swartland |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Wine Farm |
This wine is a fine accompaniment to roast meats and game. It also has the unique ability to pair well with dishes that have elements of spice, such as curries and Bobotie.




Gold Medal (89 points) | Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge 2025
“Dark ruby. Blackberry and jam on the ripe nose. Juicy and jammy on the dark berry palate with chocolate and cigar. Dry and chewy on the lengthy aftertaste. Drink through 2030.”
Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge 2025 –