DESCRIPTION

Made from 100% Pinotage sourced from two Swartland sites: organically certified fruit from the Kasteelsig vineyard and sustainably farmed grapes from the Werdie farm between Malmesbury and Darling, rooted in red Glenrosa and Oakleaf shale-rich duplex soils. The dryland bush vines yield around 6.5 t/ha, producing naturally concentrated fruit. Grapes were hand-picked, with a portion whole-bunch fermented in a spherical egg for eight weeks, another portion fermented in open bins with 4 punch-downs per day, and the remainder in a rototank. Fermentation relied on ambient yeasts, and the wine matured for 14 months in French, Hungarian, and American oak (≈20% new). Residual Sugar 1.8 g/L. Bottled at 14% (Bottle size 750ml).

TASTING NOTES

Nose: Still shows its core of spicy red berry fruit, now joined by evolved layers of dried cherry, cured meat, sandalwood, and subtle earthy undertones. Gentle notes of tobacco leaf and a touch of cedar emerge from bottle maturity and time in oak.

Palate: The once-bright red fruits have broadened into red plum, mulberry, and dried cranberry, supported by hints of smoke, savoury spice, and a faint cocoa edge from maturation. The mid-palate is more integrated and velvety, showing the influence of extended bottle age on tannin refinement.

Finish: The ripe tannins have softened into a fine, resolved structure, carrying flavours of dried fruit, spice, and gentle earthy nuance. The acidity remains lively enough to give lift, while tertiary elements add depth and length to an elegant, lingering finish.

PINOTAGE RED WINE