Ashbourne Pinotage Cinsault 2018

The 2018 vintage in the Swartland followed two years of very dry conditions, causing concerns over the ability of moisture deficient vines to properly ripen their fruit. Fortunately, it was a less windy year than usual, which helped with ripening. In addition, the 46 year old deep-rooted, early-ripening Pinotage vines in the east facing de-composed granite soils of the Paardeberg’s, Joubertskloof, weathered the dry conditions beautifully and achieved full phenolic ripeness early at surprisingly low alcohol. The fruit was excellent with particularly small bunches and berries. The later-ripening Cinsault from the Knolfontein vineyard in the Swartland, with its more heavily structured soils ripened effortlessly as well, as a result of deep roots finding sufficient moisture. Overall, 2018 was a relatively low acid and high pH year favoring deep rooted older vines and earlier ripening varieties. The resulting wines are accessible, elegant and perfumed.

This lower alcohol unwooded blend of 80% Pinotage and 20% Cinsault is made from grapes sourced from old vineyards in the Swartland appellation, for open generosity of palate in the year of production. The richness and depth of the Pinotage is freshened by the lightness and brightness of the Cinsault.