This wine reflects the true varietal characteristics of a modern-styled Pinotage, with an abundance of blackcurrants and plums, and hints of fruit cake and cloves on the nose. The intense concentration on the palate shows sweet fruit and well-integrated oak. The silky-smooth tannins contribute to the wine’s juicy, round and seamless finish.

The Mentors range honours the diversity of the South African terroir, to reveal the most unique expression of its carefully chosen cultivators, mentored by the particular vintage.

A three-step selection process ensured only the best quality fruit was chosen for fermentation. Selective picking in the vineyard followed by both bunch and berry selection on the sorting table in the KWV The Mentors cellar, is strictly observed. A 2.5% portion of the cuvée was allowed to undergo natural fermentation and the rest was inoculated after two days of cold soaking. Fermentation took place at 26oC over six days. The wine was pressed before alcoholic fermentation was completed, to prevent the extraction of hard and dry tannins. The wine was matured for 18 months in oak barrels - 90% of French origin and 10% American. A 70% portion of the barrels was first-fill.

Great with braaied red meat and boerwors, but also amazing for just sipping in front of the fireplace on a cold wintery evening.

This Pinotage is the perfect accompaniment to a pork-belly roast with garlic and sage or a succulent beef roulade.

96 points from Decanter 2021