Ravens Croft Pinotage 2011
I think I'd oft considered Pinotage the variety "only a Mother could love". Seemingly grown by and sold to South Africans. I'd heard bad things about the variety: variously gamey or smelling of rotten meat. It's certainly an interesting variety, being a cross between two very different parents, being Pinot Noir and Cinsault.So, hearing good things about this example, and being familiar with some of the producer's other work - winemaker Mark Ravenscroft himself being a South African - I took a punt. I picked this up in April 2013, there it sat in the fridge - we often eyed each other up, but never quite sought the courage to talk....
Attractive berry fruit and floral aromatics - seems to take the lead from its Pinot Noir parentage here. There's a little spice and cocoa/ coffee/ mocha, latterly presenting cherry/ cola hints.
Soft and light on entry, segues to a savoury - slightly savoury - persuasion, offering up soft and powdery tannin. Lacks a little persistence on the finish. Is it varietal? I don't know. Is it pleasant to drink, absolutely. Would I buy it again? Yes. 88
For more information on the variety and indeed some information on it in Australia, head on over to:
http://www.pinotage.org/2011/12/australia-joins-pinotage-family.html
Tasted on: Saturday 22nd February, a Flower to Leaf Day
Source: Retail, Wine Experience
Price: $36
Alcohol: ?
Closure: Screwcap
Website: http://www.ravenscroftwines.com.au/
Follow me: http://twitter.com/TheVinsomniac
Rotten meat? I'd say biltong/jerky and burnt rubbery reduction. I think it's a valid variety when done well. Blends with Shiraz probably better than going solo
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