Alcohol – 14.50%

Residual Sugar – 3.1 g/l

Total Acidity – 5.7 g/l

Total SO2 – 114 mg/l

pH – 3.64

WINEMAKER: Abrie Beeslaar

COMPOSITION: 100% Pinotage

ORIGIN: Stellenbosch – single vineyard

AGE OF VINES: 30-year-old bush vines

IRRIGATION: Supplementary drip irrigation

SOIL TYPE: Shale / Oakleaf / decomposed granite

YIELD: 6 tons per hectare

AGEING POTENTIAL: 15 to 20 years from vintage

VINTAGE CONDITIONS

The 2023 vintage experienced warmer winter conditions, leading to uneven budding and flowering. A much-needed 100mm of rainfall in December (2022) alleviated stress and encouraged vine vigour. January and February brought hot weather, but phenolic ripeness was successfully achieved.

VINIFICATION

Handpicked grapes were destemmed, sorted, and fermented in open top concrete fermenters at 28 C. The skins were punched down by hand, every 2 hours during fermentation. The juice was drawn off the skins after 3 days. Malolactic fermentation and maturation took place for 20 months in 225L French oak barrels (50% new and 50% 2nd fill).

TASTING NOTES

The wine showcases a vivid ruby-red colour and a captivating bouquet of red currants, ripe raspberry, black cherry compote, and cranberries, interwoven with delicate notes of cedarwood, dried herbs and spice. The palate is lavish and indulgent, featuring layers of juicy dark plum and red cherry fruit, underscored by delicate French oak, aromatic spices, and an earthy, herbal nuance. Additional notes of velvety cocoa, forest berries, and exotic spice emerge, seamlessly integrated with a refined oak character. This wine is both elegant and intricate, with great length on the finish and the structure and depth to develop beautifully over time.

Data Sheet:

https://www.beeslaar.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Fact-Sheet-Beeslaar-Pinotage-2023.pdf