2022 Warwick "First Lady" Pinotage Stellenbosch

Staff Reviews

RR

Rachael Ryan

Rachael Ryan

K&L Buyer

Review Date: 07/2026

Pinotage might just be one of the most misunderstood grapes in the wine world. To be fair, in the past, there were plenty of rustic examples, often cloaked in heady new oak. In recent years, however, many wineries have approached the variety with a lighter hand, harvesting earlier and fermenting gently, to allow the red fruit notes and bright acidity to carry the wine. Warwick’s “First Lady” Pinotage is a great example of this fresh and modern style. It’s pale in the glass and bursting with Bing cherry, juicy red plum and strawberry notes, with only the faintest hint of button mushroom and woodsy forest floor. Vibrant and almost humming with an electric sense of freshness, this wine could easily take a chill. It would be fantastic served alongside charcuterie or even just take out pizza. Uncomplicated and super easy to drink, this is the Pinotage to try if you haven’t opened one in a while.

Notes

Few wineries have played a more influential role in establishing South Africa's reputation for world-class fine wine than Warwick in Stellenbosch. Although the property dates back to the early 1900s, Warwick's modern story began in 1964 when Stan and Norma Ratcliffe purchased the farm. Norma would go on to become one of South Africa's pioneering female winemakers, releasing Warwick's first Cabernet Sauvignon in 1984 and later creating the country's first Cape Blend, helping cement the estate's international reputation. Today, Warwick continues to farm the granite-rich slopes of Simonsberg, where Cabernet Sauvignon remains the flagship variety alongside classic Bordeaux grapes and, of course, the classic South African variety of Pinotage. The approachable First Lady range pays tribute to Norma Ratcliffe's groundbreaking legacy, with the Cabernet Sauvignon honoring the very first wine ever bottled under the Warwick label, offering all the hallmarks of Stellenbosch Cabernet at an everyday price. The First Lady Pinotage is equally compelling, showcasing the variety's fresh and modern style with vibrant red fruit and silky tannins. These wines offer a wonderful introduction to one of Stellenbosch's most historic estates while delivering exceptional value and unmistakable South African character.