Winemaker Notes
While Pinotage shares many traits with Pinot Noir, there is an earthy brambleness that distinguishes it from its more famous cousin. Intense aromas of dark berry compote and lychee soar from the glass with hints of fragrant gardenias, white pepper and anise chiming in. This deep garnet Pinotage has a concentrated depth of bold flavors that envelop the palate with tiers of blackberry, cassis and black plum framed by baking spices and ginger. Prominent dark berry fruit is in complete harmony with the persistent tannins, balanced acidity and long, perfumed finish. The layered textural complexities and robust flavors pair beautifully with exotic spices, rich Italian food, smoked and grilled meats, anything from a wood fired oven and for the adventurous – sweet berry desserts. Prior to release, this wine was patiently cellared until optimal, but it will certainly age gracefully for years to come.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Charming and varietally correct. Aromas of dark cherries, plums, tobacco and rubber. The palate is vibrant with a medium-bodied mouthfeel, fine tannins and bright acidity, with delicate notes of sour cherries, dried herbs, bark and forest floor. Drink or hold.
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Wine Enthusiast
This Pinotage gives aromas of spicy black cherry and cigar box on the nose, while the palate shows flavors of licorice, leather, roasted meats and black pepper in a weighty tannic frame. Give this a few years in the cellar to unwind and it will pair nicely with aromatic stews and roasts.
South Africa’s signature grape, Pinotage is a distinctively earthy and rustic variety. In 1924 viticulturists crossed finicky Pinot Noir and productive, heat-tolerant Cinsault, and created a variety both darker and bolder than either of its parents! Today it is popular in South Africa both as a single varietal wine and in Cape blends. Somm Secret—The name “Pinotage” is a subtle portmanteau. The Pinot part is obvious, but the second half is a bit confusing. In the early 1900s, Cinsault was known in South Africa as “Hermitage”—hence Pinotage.
A vast appellation covering Sonoma County’s Pacific coastline, the Sonoma Coast AVA runs all the way from the Mendocino County border, south to the San Pablo Bay. The region can actually be divided into two sections—the actual coastal vineyards, marked by marine soils, cool temperatures and saline ocean breezes—and the warmer, drier vineyards further inland, which are still heavily influenced by the Pacific but not quite with same intensity.
Contained within the appellation are the much smaller Fort Ross-Seaview and Petaluma Gap AVAs.
The Sonoma Coast is highly regarded for elegant Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and, increasingly, cool-climate Syrah. The wines have high acidity, moderate alcohol, firm tannin, and balanced ripeness.