2015 Ashbourne Pinotage
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Tasting notes
The nose of the 2015 Hemel en Aarde Valley Pinotage is big and chewy with a rich and full bouquet of dark fruit that is almost volatile. Moving to the palate, the wine is spicy, with a tart black fruit of just underripe blackberries. The core of the mid-palate is grippy with tannins that will soften in the next few years. However, I don't think this is really meant to be cellared for too long and will show best between four to six years of age. This is a medium to full-bodied wine that ends with a medium finish. 2,700 bottles made.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
The 2015 Ashbourne Pinotage was the first vintage not blended other varieties. It was 40% matured in 400-liter first-fill barrels with some use of foudres to reduce the wood influence. It has a fragrant bouquet of dark cherries, black currant, mint and subtle sage aromas that gather momentum in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red berry fruit, a fine bead of acidity, gentle grip and a lovely white pepper and fennel note toward the finish. Excellent.
A very floral and fresh wine with sliced-cherry and strawberry character on the nose. Medium body, light tannins, and a crisp finish. Linear and cool. Drink now.
There only nine-barrels of the 2015 Pinotage, which is made from 100% Pinotage aged 10 months in larger oak barrels. Sporting a ruby, semi-opaque color, it has a fresh, vibrant bouquet of black cherries, raspberries, leafy herbs, and hints of tapenade, game/green herbs. Also fresh and lively on the palate, with nicely integrated acidity and fine tannin, it's unquestionably the finest Pinotage I've ever tasted. Drink it over the coming 4-5 years.