Manley, it’s not you; it’s me. You’re great. Really, I mean it. It’s just — well — you’re just too nice.
I like wines that make me work a bit. Not a lot, you understand (I’m way too lazy for that) — but a tad. And there’s something about Manley Estate’s Pinotage that is a bit too easy. It puts itself on a plate for me. Not, you understand, literally (although that would be fine: I’m happy to take my wine from whatever receptacle presents itself), but, y’know, metaphorically.
That’s not to say Manley is bad. It’s really not at all. It’s all fruit and soft curves and perpetual smiling. I’d just like to see what it looks like with a frown on its face, too.
Christ, enough with the metaphors, Parn.
So, yeah. Fine. Easy to drink. Quite full. Smiley. Could do with more brusqueness. A tad expensive. But fine. Nice.
Oh Manley. When this is all over, I do hope we can still be friends.
This bottle was received as a free sample from Naked Wines
Region Tulbagh
Grape Pinotage
ABV 14.5%
Price The 2009 is sold out, but the 2010 costs £13.99 from Naked Wines (£10.49 for members)
Free??? And you didn’t praise it to tn hilt? What’s wrong with you man? A pinotage that is actually ‘quite nice’ must warrent a rave review?
I know, Andrew, I know. I’m still getting the hang of the rules.
I know the wine.I have been to the estate. Its an OK wine, even drinkable (and I don’t rate most Pinotage) but at double digit pounds there are many many wines available in the UK which are better value.
The only reason to buy it is if you have South Africans over for a “braai” or to fool (perhaps) everybody in a blind tasting.