Pinotage 2008

These limited release wines demonstrate the distinctiveness of specific vineyard sites and represent our finest quality. The Jonkershoek Valley and more specifically the south facing slopes are of the coolest sites in Stellenbosch.

Vintage 2008

Sufficient cold and wet conditions during winter resulted in even budding and a much cooler February resulted in a slow ripening period. Harvest commenced on 18 February. Grapes were harvested between 25.0°B and 26.0°B with a total acid of 7.8 g/l and a pH of 3.4.

The vineyards

Well established trellised vineyards with access to supplementary irrigation. These vineyards are south and south-west facing slopes and grown on decomposed granite.

Grape variety

100% Pinotage.

Winemaking

Fermentation initiated in stainless steel tanks. The crushed grapes underwent a series of pump overs and punching after which the wine was racked off to tank and barrel to complete alcoholic fermentation. Malolactic fermentation took place in barrels. This wine spent 14 months in 60% new French oak barrels.

Bottled in December 2009.

Alcohol: 14.5%
Residual Sugar: 1.69 g/l
Total Acid: 5.4 g/l
pH: 3.61

Tasting notes

Deep red colour, dark plum and cherry fruit with subtle hints of tobacco. The wine has balanced ripe tannins giving it a soft elegant taste.