Pinotage with one of the best views in the world

They say that location makes all the difference when purchasing property or starting a business.

A wine farmer will tell you it is equally important when planting a vineyard. The grapes for the 2012 Rhinofields Pinotage was sourced from a vineyard situated 250m above sea-level, on a sunny, northwest-facing slope with a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean. The vines bask in the warm late afternoon sun and at night and early morning are cooled by gentle sea-breezes – conditions essential for slow ripening and intensity of flavour.

A gold and Regional Trophy winner at the 2014 Decanter World Wine Awards, the world’s largest and most prestigious wine competition, the 2012 Pinotage received some extra special attention in the cellar where the winemaking team handled the grapes with a gentleness bordering on tenderness. This full-bodied wine was matured in extra tight-grained new and second-fill French oak for 12 months.

Concentrated black currant aromas, layered with vanilla, cherries, cinnamon and a hint of tobacco, can be detected on the nose. The palate is rich and velvety with sweet wood spice and soft, silky tannins. This is a wine to share with friends over dinner. Think of serving roast beef or duck with a black cherry sauce, filet mignon, barbequed meat, Camembert and un-aged Gouda.

The Rhinofields range is named after the threatened indigenous renosterveld of which 320 ha are preserved on member farms.

The 2012 Rhinofields Pinotage is available from fine liquor shops and the cellar for about R115 per bottle.