Pinotage is one of those grapes that has a real problem with being in vogue. Over the years, this South African varietal has come and gone in favorability, leading to rapid expansions and contractions in the number of bottles in the market. Usually on the cheap end, Pinotage is pretty unique, offering tobacco, spice, hoisin, and somewhere in there, a blackberry. As Pinotage has an incredibly dark skin, it’s normally made into a somewhat dense red, not a rosé.  2015 The Beach House therefore is something of an unusual bottle at under a ten spot, a Rosé pinotage, but can it balance fruit and spice while staying refreshing? 

Sight:  2015 The Beach House Rosé pours a paler pink, leaning toward a peachy orange with watery edges

Smell:  It pulls in cherries and peaches, and then sprinkles a mix of spice and smoke.  There are touches of flowers and watermelon.

Sip:  2015 The Beach House Rosé starts off-dry, but moves more dry, maintaining a bright, moderate body throughout.  Most of the flavors are more toward the spice, hoisin, and tobacco side, however, there are a good amount of cherries and berries concealed behind it.

Savor:  There’s a dominance of the spice on the ending, moving into leather and smoke.

2015 The Beach House Rosé is a love it or hate it sort of wine.  The balance between fruit and smoke is more tilted to the leather and spice side, which is unique for a rosé.  However, this could be a selling point if you happen to like a touch of oak in your wine.   Big red drinkers may find this to be a fun experience in the summer, but those looking for a lighter, refreshing rosé could be a little disappointed.   If you haven’t had a Pinotage, 2015 The Beach House Rosé may not be where to start, but adventurous red and white drinkers should apply for a unique experience.

Verdict: Spicy, smokey, hoisin, tobacco
Price: $9.99
Western Cape, South Africa