Beyerskloof Pinotage Stellenbosch RSA

Neethlingshof Estate Pinotage Stellenbosch RSA from South Africa, Stellenbosch by Neethlingshof Estate Stellenbosch Soft & Supple Reds (12 x 75 cl)

Known initially as Rustenberg and later Alphen, this vineyard at one time belonged to the Baimsfather-Cloete family who produced the famous Constantia wines. In 1981 the estate was acquired by Hans-Joachim Schreiber who renamed it Stellenzicht or in its literal translation 'View of Stellen' . Matured in French and American oak barrels, this delightful Pinotage is intensely purple with a scarlet tinge. Aromas of plums and berries backed by oak, cinnamon and cloves give way to a rich, mouth-filling palate while the concentrated fruit flavours are layered with nuances of herbs. The grapes for this wine came from bush vines grown on relatively flat terrain in decomposed granite, established in 1995. No supplementary irrigation was given during the growing season. To compensate for the youth of the vines, yield was restricted through aggressive winter pruning and bunch breaking just after veraison and ensured intensity of flavour. The grapes were hand-picked at 25,8º Balling. After destalking and crushing, fermentation took place between 28º and 30º Celsius. Malolactic fermentation followed in small oak, using a combination of American and French , where the wine matured for 16 months, finally, a light egg-white fining preceded bottling. (12 x 75 cl)

Neethlingshof LORD NEERHLINGSHOF Pinotage Stellenbosch RSA from South Africa, Stellenbosch by Neethlingshof Estate Stellenbosch (6 x 75 cl)

Known initially as Rustenberg and later Alphen, this vineyard at one time belonged to the Baimsfather-Cloete family who produced the famous Constantia wines. In 1981 the estate was acquired by Hans-Joachim Schreiber who renamed it Stellenzicht or in its literal translation 'View of Stellen' . Winemaker Guy Webber has combined his expertise with Shiraz and his love of Pinotage to produce Rhapsody. A blend of 53% Pinotage and 47% Shiraz, it melds the outstanding characteristics of both these varietals to create a new wine that is greater than the sum of its parts. This wine is an intense, rich ruby colour with a distinct, youthful purple tinge. A rich complexity of aromas including mocha and dark chocolate combine with the spicy sweetness of ripe plums and roasted almonds. A full-bodied wine with succulent, ripe fruit flavours the polished structure with Fruit and wood seamlessly integrate while softer tannins make for early enjoyment. Grapes were sourced from vineyards in the Stellenbosch area and grown on slopes facing west and north-west on soils originating from decomposed granite and Table Mountain sandstone. Ranging in age from 6 to 14 years and at altitudes of 150 m to 300 m the grapes are pruned and trained in order to balance the growth and yields for absolute quality. Receiving no supplementary irrigation, the yields from both vineyards were lower than usual due to very selective picking and averaged out at below six tons per hectare. The grapes were harvested by hand and after destalking and crushing, the mash was fermented in stainless steel tanks at 29° C with selected pure yeast cultures . The juice was separated from the skins after five days. Once malolactic fermentation was complete the wine was matured in a combination of French , American and Hungarian oak. Mostly new oak was used with a combination of second and third-fill . (6 x 75 cl)

Winemaker's Description A charming wine with a vivid ruby-red colour. Delicious round, raspberry and ripe fruit nose. Ripe mulberry fruit pallet elegant tannin finish and a soft fruit driven finish. Viticulture Notes Grapes are sourced from low bearing bush vines with an average age of 4-10 years with complex, well-structured fruit. Grapes were harvested at 24ºB in February. The vines are grafted on 101-14Mgt and planted on loamy clay on the lower slopes of the mountain. Maturation The wine is fermented on skins for ñ 7 days, until the juice is drawn off at 0ºballing to retain soft tannins. Maturation takes place partly in French oak barrels, and some in tank. (12 x 75 cl)

Delheim DRY RED Cabernet Sauvignon Pinotage Simonsberg Stellenbosch RSA from South Africa, Stellenbosch, Simonsberg by Delheim Soft & Supple Reds (12 x 75 cl)

A full, fruity wine with flavours of ripe plums and cherries; rich with a persistent finish. (12 x 75 cl)

TASTING NOTES Ink dark wine with intense flavours of rich black plum fruit, cigars, dark chocolate and spiciness. IN THE VINEYARD Location: On warmer north facing slopes Soil Type: Gravel & loam Age of Vines: ñ 55 years Rootstock: R 99 Trellising: Bushvines IN THE CELLAR Length of Fermentation & Maceration: 14 days Cellar Barrel Maturation: 20 months 225-litre French barriques (6 x 75 cl)

Kleine Zalze CELLAR RANGE Pinotage Stellenbosch RSA from South Africa, Stellenbosch by Kleine Zalze Powerful Reds (6 x 75 cl)