A modern South African red wine that reveals a completely new approach to the ‘Pinotage’ grape. Created by Anthony Hamilton Russell – one of the most renowned winemakers in Hemel-en-Aarde – this wine combines Burgundian elegance with South African expressiveness.
In the glass, it shines with a clear, deep ruby color. The nose opens with ripe cherry, plum, and blackberry aromas intertwined with notes of herbs, subtle smoke, cocoa, and spice. The bouquet is complex and refined, enriched by hints of earth and stony minerality.
On the palate, the wine is elegant, structured, and precise. Balanced acidity and silky, smooth tannins give it firmness without heaviness. The flavor harmoniously combines red fruit freshness, herbal nuances, and a saline, mineral finish. The long, refined aftertaste leaves a clean and polished impression.
The ‘Pinotage’ grapes are grown in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley appellation – one of the coolest and most prestigious regions in South Africa. The vines are rooted in clay and shale soils, which provide depth and minerality, while ocean breezes help preserve freshness and aromatic precision.
Fermentation takes place with native yeasts in small open-top fermenters, followed by 10 months of aging in French oak barrels (around 20% new). This process allows the wine to maintain its natural fruit purity while gaining subtle structure and complexity.
