2007 PINOTAGE. Fort Ross Vineyard. Sonoma Coast - PRE-RELEASE
EXCEPTIONAL - Dan Berger's Vintage Experiences, December 1, 2011
This dark ruby hued Pinotage has a concentrated depth of bright, bold and luscious flavors that envelop the palate.
This dark ruby hued Pinotage has a concentrated depth of bright, bold and luscious flavors that envelop the palate. Tiers of raspberry, blackberry and juicy plum are enhanced by a whisper of spicy sassafras that carries through the endless finish of this well-structured wine. Its rich, bold textural complexities are the perfect accompaniment to hearty meals, spicy foods and grilled meats. Limited Production : 517 cases
EXCEPTIONAL - Dan Berger's Vintage Experiences, December 1, 2011
This thick skinned South African grape often makes an odd wine, but here special clonal material personally cleared through official channels makes a dark, blackberry/plum scented wine with weight in the mid-palate and graceful structure. Faintly rustic finish; a great wine to serve blind to a wine snob.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2007
Varietal
Pinotage
Appellation
Sonoma Coast
Alcohol %
14.5
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
While Pinotage shares many traits with Pinot Noir, there is an earthy brambleness that distinguishes it from its more famous cousin. Aromas dense with ripe loganberry, rose petals and black tea gracefully mingle with underlying notes of fragrant vanilla, nutmeg spice and cedar. This dark ruby hued Pinotage has a concentrated depth of bright, bold and luscious flavors that envelop the palate. Tiers of raspberry, blackberry and juicy plum are enhanced by a whisper of smoke and spicy sassafras flavors that carry through the smooth, integrated finish of this well-structured wine. Its rich, bold textural complexities are the perfect accompaniment to hearty meals, spicy foods and grilled meats.
Winemaker Notes
Pinotage was first developed in South Africa in 1925 by crossing the two vinifera varieties, Pinot Noir and Cinsault. Our Pinotage consists of two Fort Ross proprietary clones, MM1 and MM3, developed from bud wood personally imported by Fort Ross from one of the most select Pinotage vineyards in South Africa. We vinify the variety much the same as our Pinot Noir. After hand sorting, the grapes were destemmed, cold soaked for several days and fermented in simple open-top fermenters and gently punched down to soften the influence of the thicker skins of the Pinotage berries. Shortly after pressing, the wines were barreled in a combination of new and used French oak.
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