Our estate is well-known for our Pinotage, and we take great pride in maintaining – and exceeding – our standards when working with this unique South African varietal. So we are very pleased to bring you the 2018 vintage, a beautiful exemplar of Pinotage named “Outstanding” by Wine Advocate (USA) and rated “Platinum” (95+) on the SA Wine Index.

The 2017 growing season that produced this vintage was marked by severe drought in our region, but this gorgeous wine is evidence of the proverbial silver lining! The cool, dry year and long winter nights ensured a longer period of ripening, which in turn enhanced minerality and added finesse to the vintage. The drought also caused the vine to send its roots deeper in search of water, and this is always a good thing for the future hardiness of the plant.

Pinotage 2018
 tasting notes:

Colour: Deep red with a dark purple rim.

Nose: Primary flavours of deep purple plums, prunes and cherry notes are balanced with forest floor and savoury notes. Dark chocolate, roasted coffee beans and warm spice notes add to the complexity.

Palate: The dark purple fruit follows through from the nose in this full-bodied wine, its complex and deep core enamours the taste buds while the tight tannins and balanced acidity add length and longevity to this beautiful example of Pinotage.

Winemaking report: The cool, dry year and long winter nights ensured a longer period of ripening, which in turn enhanced minerality and added finesse to the vintage. Grapes were picked at optimum ripeness, then destemmed and pressed. The juice was settled for 48 hours at 10°C and then racked off the lees to selected French oak barrels. The wine was then fermented in 35% new oak and 65% in stainless steel tanks.

Food matches: Enjoy over the next 10 years with venison, ribeye steak or Karoo lamb.