The Mentors Pinotage 2020

This wine reflects the true varietal characteristics of a modern-styled Pinotage, with an abundance of blackcurrants and plums, and hints of fruit cake and cloves on the nose. The intense concentration on the palate shows sweet fruit and well-integrated oak. The silky-smooth tannins contribute to the wine’s juicy, round and seamless finish.

Soil in the Western Cape comprises ancient (350 million to 500 million years old) weathered soils of alluvial and volcanic origin. The alluvial soils are from both glacial and marine deposits. Some of the origins of the weathered soils are Table Mountain Sandstone, Granite and Malmesbury Shale. These have eroded over millennia and are now generally clay rich loam soils, which are most desirable for their ability to retain water for plant during summer months.

Winter 2016 provided sufficient cold and higher rainfall for a great start to this vintage. Regular, small rains in spring and cool to moderate temperatures provided conditions for good, early-season cane and canopy development. Bud break was even as was spring growth, but flowering was not – usually due to weather. Early leaf breaks directly after flowering allowed sunlight to even out the vintage, as did early green harvesting of retarded bunches. Growth and development sped up in moderate conditions that ensured outstanding vine health. Warmth from late December to January, drought and lighter yields, meant another record early start to harvest that ran until early March. Despite shifts in variety harvest order, wine quality looks fabulous.

A three-step selection process ensured only the best quality fruit was chosen for fermentation. Selective picking in the vineyard followed by both bunch and berry selection on the sorting table in the KWV The Mentors cellar, is strictly observed. A 2.5% portion of the cuvée was allowed to undergo natural fermentation and the rest was inoculated after two days of cold soaking. Fermentation took place at 26oC over six days. The wine was pressed before alcoholic fermentation was completed, to prevent the extraction of hard and dry tannins. The wine was matured for 18 months in oak barrels - 90% of French origin and 10% American. A 70% portion of the barrels was first-fill.

The wine was matured for 18 months in oak barrels - 85% of French origin and 15% American. A 70% portion of the barrels was first-fill.

This Pinotage is the perfect accompaniment to a pork-belly roast with garlic and sage or a succulent beef roulade.