Mark says only three vineyards in Australia currently grow Pinotage. Those being Ravens Croft, Toppers Mountain just north of Armidale in NSW and a vineyard in Inverell on the northern tablelands of NSW.
The Ravens Croft vineyard only has Verdelho and Pinotage in the dirt with other varieties sourced from around the Granite Belt to complete his range. Planted in 2007, this 2011 vintage was only the second vintage produced and spent eight months in French oak.
Initial aromas of dry tea leaves, black olives, and some black fruit, there is very much a savoury element to this wine. There are some absolute similarities to a mix of Tempranillo and Pinot Noir going on here. Flavours are concentrated on the mid and back palate and deliver a lovely mouth warmth. Still a little tight, a few more years age will bring out the best, although this still drinks well. Super smooth with a silky finish.
I shared this with a self-confessed Pinotage freak, who after initially believing Pinotage was not made in Australia, he turned to me and nodded with approval, "Now this is good Pinotage."
The bad news is the 2011 is sold out, however, the 2012 ($40) has just been released in recent weeks with only 500 bottles still available.
Who: Ravens Croft Wines http://www.ravenscroftwines.com.au/
What: Pinotage (14% alc)
Where: Granite Belt, Queensland
When: 2011How: $35 (sold out)
Posts
