88 pts Wine Advocate June 2025 In a screw-cap bottle, the Painted Wolf 2023 The Den Pinotage raises funds to protect the African Wild Dog and its habitat. The wine is true to the grape, maybe showing a little extra zest and freshness, extended over the palate with cherry tartlet, pressed blue flower, candied orange peel and white pepper. There is a hint of bramble or wild bush that recalls the magical roaming lands of these extraordinary animals. The grapes come from two bush-vine vineyards, one on Paarl and the other in the Swartland. This 42,000-bottle release has a tiny 15% Shiraz blended in for color and texture. 2024-2028
