The Vintage The season presented a cold winter and a cold spring with good rainfall and a very moderate growing period during summer. This resulted in a later-than-usual harvest and grapes were harvested 14 days later compared to 2020. Viticulture The Pinotage vineyards are planted in well drained blue, broken shale at 250 meters above sea level on the Western slope of the Tygerberg 7 kilometers from, and in sight of, the Atlantic Ocean. Employing the VSP trellis system, a typical harvest produces 7 to 8 tons per hectare. Vinification Grapes were hand-picked just before dawn, then crushed and open-fermented while undergoing pneumatic punch downs four times a day. The wine was basket-pressed and transferred to tanks for malolactic fermentation. On completion of MLF, the wine was racked and transferred to 225 liter barrels to mature for 12 months in a combination of French and American Oak of which 12% was new oak Tasting Notes A wine with ripe, soft tannins that is made to last. Bright purple edge with an intensely dark core. Cherry tobacco and Christmas spice of cloves and cinnamon abound. On the palate, this medium bodied wine delivers flavors of sour cherry, cocoa, Cedar wood and fresh plums. Food Complements Traditional South African fare such as game, beef stew and BBQ. Non-conformists can try Pinotage with sushi, especially sashimi with pickled ginger and soy sauce to complement the spicy and umami flavors of the wine.
