A new producer for us, this has a more classic Euro
slant with its 13.5% alcohol level, while still retaining
its distinctive South African/Western Cape roots. This is also a new
region for us, coming from the Breedekloof district, nearby the town
Worcester which is just over an hour drive into the mountains from
Stellenbosch. The wines are made at a local co-op from fruit which
was previously sold to an award winning Stellenbosch winery. The
vineyards are all planted on a hillside and start at about 1200 feet
elevation. Silkbush was founded in 2000 and this is their first release
of the Lions Drift pinotage in the USA.
The nose offers up a plethora of red berry,
red stone fruit aromas with the varietals
more defined notes pushing through,
hinting at banana esters, along with
some charcoal, earth and spice all adding
complementing subtleties without
detracting from the fruits upfront appeal.
Medium to medium fuller bodied, the
palate has an engaging textural appeal
giving it a sleek, vibrant quality with
finer grained tannins helping give shape
and definition to the fruit. Bright and
flavorsome with high pitched, sweet red
fruit flavors dominating the mid palate,
there is a savory note running through
with a slight suggestion of banana, charcoal and earth on the finish.
Just now starting to harmonize this should really come together over
the next 6 months and drink nicely for several more years after that
with ease. This is an excellent example of why we think that Pinotage
is such a great wine for grilled meats.
