Southern Right Pinotage 2007 extremely limited - IMPRESSIVE

Tasting Notes

11/18/08
Yes folks there are actually really good Pinotages being made. A much maligned grape and in many cases rightly so, but that is changing. Pinotage can really be quite interesting when you get away from all the banana esters and charcoal, grill funk that if not in balance, can detract and distract from the overall quality of the wine. The Southern Right version of Pinotage has been impressive the last few years and it appears that Anthony Hamilton Russell has this varietal figured out. A cool climate and low vigor, clay rich soils seems to be part of the positive equation for this varietal and down in Hermanus, in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, with its close proximity to the South Atlantic Ocean, appears to be a great place to make a kinder, less aggressive version of Pinotage.
The 2007 Southern Right Pinotage right out the shoot is a real winner and although a richer style in a medium-fuller, fuller bodied format, this has a bit of the Pinot feminine side working in its favor. Some stemmy, earthiness overlays the darker red berry, slightly spicy plum fruit on the nose. No assertive, aggressive funky notes or banana characteristics here, just terroir driven fruit, quite elegant, with an exceptional detailed, lingering finish. Lots of red plum and darker red berry, raspberry fruit flavors are the backbone, with some interesting savory nuances complimenting and filling out the total package. Simply said, this is without mincing words, an exceptional wine and over delivers in every way. This could give a lot of Pinot Noir a run for the money. We expect big scores down the road, but as we have said many times before, if you wait on that note, the wine may not be available.

Awards, Reviews and other Notes

90 pts Wine Spectator 3/31/09
Smoky and fleshy, but with good aromatics and vibrancy to the black currant, fig, roasted sage and bramble notes. A nice minerally spine lingers through the finish.

6 Bottle price

Price

SKU

Varietal

$19.79

$21.99

7963

Pinotage