It's always a good day when I get to try a new wine from a new producer! Even better when it's from a fierce woman like Koni Maliehe. I love the message that is on the back label of the Koni wine range, "Fighting like a lioness to bring more diversity to the South African Wine industry. Being a role model and taking the risk in order to succeed. That is Koni Wines."
After years of being an HR executive, Koni herself decided to turn her passion into a business, and Koni Wines was born. I recently had the privilege of tasting the 2018 Pinotage. First off, the labels are gorgeous, and you should check out the rest of the range (I'm totally envisioning a row of these on a mantel or something!)
While Pinotage is not my go-to wine, this one was very surprising. Blackberries and light red cherry with a bit of wet forest floor flowed smoothly out of the glass, not at all overpowering like some Pinotages. The tannins were very smooth, and the wine had a beautiful long dark chocolate finish. Very approachable and easy drinking. (A bit too easy... I finished the bottle!)
Koni also produces a Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, and a Cab Sauv/Merlot blend all at less than R500/case. Phenomenal value for money wine.