Pinotage is a variety developed in South Africa from crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault aka Cinsaut. Cinsault used to be called Hermitage in South Africa – hence the cross of Pinot Noir and Hermitage (Cinsault) being named Pinotage.
Mark Ravenscroft (originally from Sth Africa) planted the only Pinotage vines on The Granite Belt, the vines seem to be appreciating his decision.
2017 was a cooler local vintage and very wet, especially from Cyclone Debbie, Halliday rated the vintage 6/10 but it’s unwise to apply a broad brush to specific vineyards and less so to any variety in a particular vineyard.
13.5% a/v, barrel fermented and aged in oak for 10 months. A very reflective lighter coloured red wine – visualise slightly darker coloured raspberries or strawberries. The wine unleashes lovely wafted scents of spices, raspberries and cherry cola. The medium bodied palate is driven by a sublime savouriness and red berries with an underlying chalky tannin structure, when you hold the wine in your mouth for a short time and swirl a little it definitely has the lighter succulence of a pinot noir. This is great drinking and I’ll be first in line when the 2018 is released.
Tasted: Saturday/Sunday 29th March, 2020 without food and then with over several hours.
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $42
Suggested Drinking Window: now to 2027
Winemaker: Mark Ravenscroft
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