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Date Printed: 11/25/2009
Simonsig Pinotage 2003
Simonsig Pinotage 2003

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(search item no. 91725)
Wine Spectator rating: 89 points
Wine Enthusiast rating: 89 points
PRICE ON 11/25/2009: $14.49

ratings pedigree (past vintages):
2000 Wine Spectator rating: 89 points
1999 International Wine Cellar rating: 87 points

Winemaker's Notes:

 Deep black cherry hue with a bright crimson rim indicating its youth, the 2003 Pinotage has a ripe, sweet raspberry nose with layers of plummy fruit. On the palate, it is full-bodied, with delicious crushed berry fruits on the middle palate. Simonsig Pinotage is unwooded, with the aim to accentuate the raspberry fruitiness of the Pinotage grape that might otherwise be obscured by wood. Well-rounded, ripe tannins provide ample structure to allow further development in the bottle. The quality of the tannins keeps the natural sweet flavors of the Pinotage beautifully balanced and leaves a gentle, dry finish in the mouth – making it a great food wine.
My Notes:

Additional wines from Simonsig:

About Simonsig:

 The Simonsig vineyard lies Northwest of Stellenbosch and is privately owned by the Malan family. It produces some of the finest red and white wines as well as a sparkling wine made by the Cap Classique Methode – the local Champenoise. The Stellenbosch region is recognized as the best wine producing area in South Africa and lies 45 kilometres east of Cape Town.

The first Malan who came to South Africa in 1688 was a French Huguenot. At the Cape of Good Hope, then under Dutch rule, he was given land to plant new vineyards. He subsequently settled near Stellenbosch which became famous for its quality wines. It is still known as the champion wine region of South Africa.

The Simonsig Estate vineyard stretches out over 211 hectares around the northern side of Stellenbosch at the foot of the Simons mountain. It is generally acknowledged as the largest private producer of estate wines in South Africa.

Simonsig produces numerous varieties such as Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Pinotage.