Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2021 Coastal Cinsault offers a classic profile of red fruit complemented by dusty roses. This wine is fleshy with a mineral tension, making it exceptionally food friendly. Medium-bodied, it feels lighter on the palate, yet the real pleasure is in the finish, as the wine expands with elegant, spicy freshness, delightful florals and zesty potpourri elements.
A charmer in the Southern Rhône Valley, Cinsault thrives in any hot and windy climate, and finds success in many other countries. It is a parent grape alongside Pinot Noir, of South Africa’s acclaimed red grape, Pinotage. Somm Secret—Given its relatively long history in California, Cinsualt is often “hidden” in the Zinfandel blends of Sonoma and Contra Costa Counties. Historically planted alongside Zinfandel (with Petite Sirah and Mourvedre) in the same vineyard, Cinsault is now an essential part of many “field blends.”
Flanked by majestic mountains on either side, the Paarl district is a valley whose most valuable water source is the Berg River. While sometimes during dry and hot summers, the vineyards in the valley need supplemental irrigation, those vineyards on the eastern slopes where water retention is better, aren't irrigated.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc enjoy great success in Paarl.