My dream of crafting my own wine, made from South Africa’s signature grape variety, became a reality in 2019 when the directors of Wellington Wines gave me the green light to produce a limited quantity under my own label.
Abundance written in the soil
The grapes are sourced from two very special, but distinctly different vineyards sites – 50% from the Agter Paarl region and 50% from Wellington. Each of these dryland parcels have their roots in heavily textured shale soils, and are vinified seperately before being blended together.
Both vineyards produce a low yield of 6 to 7 tons per hectare. The perfectly formed bush vines allow optimal sunlight on the grape cluster, resulting in even ripening. The Paarl component produces a big, heavily structured wine, while the Wellington portion lends a soft and rounded red fruit tone to the final blend.
Nurturing nature’s secrets
The wine is made in open fermenters, with regular punch-downs of the cap every two hours – this helps to maintain a homogenous temperature of +- 27 degrees Celsius during fermentation, and avoids the extraction of unwanted, harsh phenolics at higher temperatures. Time on the skins is short – 5 to 7 days, depending on the vintage.
After fermentation, the wine is transferred into 225L French oak barrels made from carefully selected wood from the Troncais forest. Malolactic fermentation takes place in a combination of 70% new and 30% second fill barrels. This combination of new and used oak ensures sufficient aroma complexity and tannin extraction, without overpowering the varietal- and terroir characteristics of the wine. The wine is matured in these same barrels for a period of 24 months.
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Fact Sheet - Pinotage 2022
Fact Sheet - Pinotage 2021
Fact Sheet - Pinotage 2020
Fact Sheet - Pinotage 2019
Francois van Niekerk Pinotage 2022
Platter’s Guide 2025 – 5* (95 p0ints)
“Another stylish expression by the maestro, 2022 again effortlessly marries generosity with refinement, the waves of dark plum, hedgerow berries, coriander, spice & smoke matched with impeccably managed tannins & oaking, 70% new barrique, 2 years, that will support 10+ years evolution. Decant in youth. Only 867 cases & some magnums.” – Winnie Bowman, Platter Taster
Veritas Wine Awards 2024 – Double Gold
ABSA Top 10 Pinotage 2024 – Top 10 Winner
Tim Atkin MW S.A. Report 2024 – 94 points
Francois van Niekerk Pinotage 2021
Platter’s Guide 2024 – 5* (97 points) “The pinotage whisperer coaxes another stellar performance from his vines – sleek, harmonious, with a polished tannin structure & 2 years 70% new oak supporting unfolding layers of flavour: plums, hedgerow fruit, scrub, spice & whiff of sweet cigar. Will age beautifully, minimum 10 years, especially in magnum.” – Winnie Bowman, Platter Taster
Veritas Wine Awards 2023 – Double Gold
ABSA Top 10 Pinotage 2023 – Top 10 Winner
Tim Atkin MW S.A. Report 2023 – 94 points “Francois van Niekerk only makes one red, but what a wine it is. Combining grapes from a pair of old-vine parcels in Agter Paarl and Wellington, it’s a scented, effortlessly concentrated, well-balanced Pinotage with stylish 70% new oak, detailed, layered tannins, plum, liquorice and blackberry flavours and the concentration to age. 2024-30”
Francois van Niekerk Pinotage 2020
Platter’s Guide 2023 – 5* (95 points) “Maintains exceptional standard & restrainedly rich styling in 2020 . Complex, layered, with bramble, ripe plum & whiff of smoky oak, all in perfect balance & set for fine development over 10+ years. 2 years in 70% new barrique. Just 670 cases & some magnums this harvest.” – Winnie Bowman, Platter Taster
Raymond Noppé (Cape Wine Master) – 95 points
Tim Atkin MW S.A. Report 2022 – 94 points “The talented Francois van Niekerk is the CEO of Wellington Wines, but also makes a little Pinotage under his own label. Combining grapes from Wellington and Agter Paarl (hence the Coastal label), this is a very elegant, considered iteration of the variety, with beautifully integrated 70% new wood, velvety tannins and black cherry and wild strawberry fruit.
Drink from 2023-28.”
Concours Mondial Bruxelles 2022 – Gold Medal
Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge 2022 – 93 points
Veritas 2022 – Silver Outstanding
Francois van Niekerk Pinotage 2019
Platter’s Guide 2022 – 5*
Veritas Awards 2021 – Gold Medal
ABSA Top 10 Pinotage 2021 – Top 10 Winner
Decanter World Wine Awards 2021 – 96 points / Gold Medal
Wine Advocate (Anthony Mueller) – 92+ points “Bold, dark and sweet-fruited, the 2019 Pinotage offers gobs of sweet oak essence from spending two years in 70% new French oak. The nose is juicy and generous, with aromas of black raspberry liqueur, spiced plum compote and blackberry jus. Full-bodied, layered and spicy on the palate, the wine has a luscious mouthfeel and unfolds with complexity, revealing layers of oak, juicy blackberries and exotic spice followed by lively acidity and buttressing tannins. The wine continues to evolve over the long-lingering finish. It’s a generously structured Pinotage with robust, juicy flavours and pronounced oak-inflected elements. It’s quite impressive. Give this a try.”
winemag.co.za / Prescient Pinotage Report 2021 – Top 10 / 92 points / Discovery of the Report (which serves to recognise previously unsung wines)
National Wine Challenge 2021 – Top 100 SA Wines / Double Platinum
Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge 2021 – 93 points
Raymond Noppé CWM – 96 points
“Pinotage gives the winemaker a small window of opportunity to transform good quality wine into exceptional wine, but when the stars align, you get a stellar result”