KWV The Mentors Perold 2020

Many winemakers have had thoughtful considerations on whether they should add their own name as their brand. It is probably even more challenging when you want to put someone else’s name on the label, especially if that ‘someone else’ is the most prolific person in the history of South African wine: Izak Perold. Today, Perold is remembered for creating Pinotage, which soon became the flagship wine of South Africa, the first South African to earn a doctorate in viticulture, and the first professor of viticulture. He joined KWV in 1928 with the aim to experiment with new cultivars and improve quality control processes. Therefore, it is apt for KWV to name one of their flagship wines in The Mentors Range “Perold”.

Contrary to what one might expect, it is not a straight Pinotage but a careful blend of Pinotage, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Malbec. This blend stands out as an exceptional choice, with the Pinotage providing the fruit, spice from the Shiraz, some structure and tannins from the Cabernet Sauvignon, body, weight and colour from the Petit Sirah and fruit sweetness from the Malbec. Grapes were handpicked from the best sites in the Swartland, Stellenbosch and Wellington to add to the complexity of this wine. It has been matured for 18 months in first-fill French oak barrels. A total production of 4,500 litres constitutes this vintage.

In the glass, this wine has a deep garnet colour and a dark centre. The nose offers complex notes of ripe fruit, spices, cigar box and sweet oak. The entry on the palate is rounded with slightly powdery tannins, integrated well into the fruit, alcohol and acidity to create a good balance and mouthfeel. It has notes of fruitcake, mint, marzipan, plums, blackcurrant, cranberry, mulberry and pink flowers. Spicy notes of pink peppercorns, aniseed and cloves come through as part of the development, followed by tobacco leaves and graphite. It has a long, fresh, fruity and velvety finish.

The KWV Perold is a brilliant wine and a proud tribute to this South African wine pioneer. It delivers for its price and is ready to drink now or within the next 25 years. A very slight chill would do this wine well, but not too cold. It does not have to be decanted yet. This wine will show well if served in a Bordeaux-style glass. It can be enjoyed on its own or with braised beef dishes, oxtail or leg of lamb. Each bottle is individually numbered and it is a great wine that should be in every collector’s cellar!

Producer: KWV

Variety: Pinotage 40%, Shiraz 30%, Cabernet Sauvignon 10%, Petite Sirah 10%, Malbec 10%

Vintage: 2020

Origin: Swartland (70%), Stellenbosch (20%), Wellington (10%), Western Cape, South Africa

Closure: Cork

Alcohol: 14.55%

RS: 3.21g/l

Average price: R800

Rating: 98/100