"The 2017 Pinotage Estate Fort Ross Vineyard has a medium to deep ruby color and very pretty scents of garrigue, dust, peppercorn and amaro over a core of roasted cranberries and red cherries plus notes of cola and woodsmoke. Medium to full-bodied, it packs in the spiced, earthy fruits, with a chalky frame and great freshness, finishing long. Impressive! If you enjoy Pinot Noir or Grenache in a pleasantly rustic style, this may be for you." 

Winemaker Notes: 

"While Pinotage shares many traits with Pinot Noir, there is an earthy brambleness that distinguishes it from its more famous cousin. This legendary South African varietal is a true rarity in California and our 2017 Pinotage is in itself a special wine. Displaying a deep ruby hued core, this wine has a slight haze, which speaks to its being bottled unfined and unfiltered. Slightly wound upon removing the cork, the wine slowly starts to express itself as it begins to breathe, through bold notes of plum, ripe blueberry, new leather, and cedar pencil shavings.The palate dazzles with a delicate tension of juicy black fruits with an array of spicy, savory characteristics. Firm, persistent tannin surrounds a core of baked dark berries, licorice, cocoa, and freshly ground coffee.This wine has incredible structure and a long-lasting finish that is sure to age gracefully well into the next decade."