Simonsig Redhill Pinotage 2018
Overview
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There is an exotic mix of wild berries of the forest and plums with clove spice. Bold flavors of freshly cut strawberries and blackcurrant flow over the palate with silky tannins. A full-bodied Pinotage with great intensity and a lingering dry finish. It shows lots of power, but has an elegance to it that will benefit from further time in the bottle. |
Wine Facts
The 2018 vintage was really challenging due to the prolonged drought, which sone believe to be the worst in 100 years, accompanied by water restrictions. The expertise of the vineyard team and cellar were definately put to the test by the warm and dry climate conditions. In the vineyard and in the cellar, they worked to minimize the effect of the water shortage. The dry weather throughout the season did have its advantages, as vines were healthy, with little or no pests or diseases being recorded in smaller regions. The dry, warm weather is resulted in smaller berries, but with great intensity. Hand-harvested at optimal ripeness. Crushing and destemming to two open top fermenters. A total of 20% of the grapes were fermented as whole clusters. Two days cold soaking before inoculation. Manual punch downs every two hours gives a short, but intensive extraction. Fermentation temperature peaked at 28 C. Pressed after 6 days on the skins, alcoholic fermentation finished in the tank. Malolactic fermentation occured in tank, before the wine was taken to barrel. The wine spends 15 months in 100% new French oak, and it has a cellaring potential of 10 years after vintage.
Interesting Fact
The first red wine released by Simonsig in 1970 was a Pinotage - a “viticultural cross” of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut, created in 1924 at Stellenbosch University. The aim of this Pinotage is to accentuate the ripe plum and raspberry fruitiness of the Pinotage grape.
Serving Hints
Pairs well with hearty dishes like venison stew, oven roasted rack of lamb, stuffed eggplants or grilled mushrooms, stuffed eggplant or grilled mushrooms.
Region: Stellenbosch
Country: South Africa
Wine Composition: 100% Pinotage
Alcohol: 14.7 %
Residual Sugar: 2.2 G/L
Acidity: 5.2 G/L
pH: 3.64
Press Highlights
2018: 92 Pts 'Cellar Selection' - Wine Enthusiast, Feb 2022
2018: 91 Pts - James Suckling, Nov 2021
2015: 91 Pts - James Suckling, June 2018
2013: 92 Pts “Best of the Year 2016’ - ‘Editor’s Choice’ Wine Enthusiast, Dec 2016
2013: 90 Pts - Wine Advocate, Apr 2018
2012: 90 Pts - Wine Enthusiast, Dec. 2016
2011: 92 Pts 'Editor's Choice' - Wine Enthusiast, Mar. 2014
2011: 91 Pts - Wine Advocate #215, Oct. 2014
2010: 90 Pts - Wine Enthusiast, Mar. 2014
2010: 90 Pts - Wine Advocate #209, Oct. 2013
2009 - 92 Pts 'Cellar Selection' Wine Enthusiast, May 2013
2008: 91 Pts - The International Wine Review 'The Wines of South Africa', Feb. 2012
2006: 90 Pts - Wine Enthusiast, Nov. 2008