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Community Review

Southern Right Pinotage 2015

Hemel-En-Aarde Valley, Walker Bay W.O., South Africa

Community Score: 4.6/5
Community Reviews: 1

Price: $40.95

Sweetness: Extra Dry
Alcohol: 14.5%

Drink: 2017-2019

Bottle size: 750 ml
Winery: Southern Right

Greg Hughes rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Southern Right make their delicious wines in a small valley called Hemel-en-Aarde ( translated, it means jeaven on earth). It's included in the greater Walker bay area. It's a maritime region, receiving very cool breezes from a south easterly wind chilled by the icy water between the Cape and the Arctic called 'the cape doctor.'
The colour is slightly oxidative, though mostly ruby red, with a nutty brown evolving towards the core (typical of Pinotage).
High alcohol on this wine, but it carries it completely. Aromas of cherry, mulch, a small touch of vanilla amd coffee. As it opened up, the spice and fruit seemed more even-keeled.
Pinotage, the progeny of Pinot Noir and Cinsault, touted for it's combination of Pinot elegance and Cinsault impact.
This one is more towards the elegant side. It does not have the mouth saturating chocolate, bacon, or coffee that Pinotage often has. This one has more of a dusting of rustic tannins that reminds me of nutmeg, leather, and cocoa powder. The flavours are pure and concentrated, but not overbearing.
Is this a typical example of Pinotage? No. It is more restrained and elegant, making it more an example of its potential for fine wine.
Put this wine with lamb or eggplant moussaka. Age it a few years for something special, but keep in mind a Pinotage with more fresh, young fruit to go with the spice might have better balance. 3-4 years, no problem.

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