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Ashbourne Pinotage

From the maiden release in 2001, this benchmark wine has redefined South Africa’s own red grape variety, Pinotage, with its classic, refined styling and unique complex character. This is a wine unlike anything else, intense, rich and savoury with a beautiful underlying minerality.

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Latest vintage available online via Port2Port.

  • Soil Low vigour, stony, clay-rich, shale-derived soil

 

  • Alcohol 13.57%  Acid 5.70 g/l  pH 3.48  Residual Sugar 2.0 g/l

 

  • Barrel Ageing 10 months in 400 litre tight grained French oak barrels, 10 months in 2000 litre neutral Foudre

 

  • Wooding 100% 400 litre French Oak and 2000 litre neutral Foudre

 

  • Tight Grain 100%

 

  •  1st fill 20%  2nd fill 20% 3rd fill 30% 4th fill 30%

 

  • French Coopers:  Francois Freres

 

  • Yield 4.68 tons/ha, 29.95 hl/ha  Production 420 cases x 12

 

  • Vegan Friendly

 

  • Release Date – September 2024

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Growing Season

The timing of our 2022 harvest was similar to 2021, but a touch later than average, and our average of the maximum temperatures for the 4 crucial months leading up to and during harvest was 25.18 centigrade, higher than our long-term average of 24.63 centigrade and higher than 2021. While ripening was slow and extended, harvest was fortunately complete before the first rains in early March. The preceding Winter was our wettest in 24 years and was followed by a slightly wetter than average bud break to veraison period, but with an unusually (and usefully) dry September facilitating healthy, even budding. Apart from cold, wet, early season clay-rich soils inhibiting shoot growth, and a few late season heat spikes creating the potential for sunburn, the vintage proceeded smoothly and delivered beautiful, pure, generously textured wines.

One of 6 of Tim Atkin’s Top Pinotages, Tim Atkin MW South African 2024 Report

96 Points - Tim Atkin MW South African 2024 Report

96 Points, Tim Atkin MW South African 2024 Report

One of the best Ashbourne releases yet, this fully justifies Anthony Hamilton Russell's claim that this often under-valued grape can produce world-class wines. Sourced from a six--year- old 2.2-hectare vineyard on heavy clays, it's alluringly perfumed and intense, with potpourri and rose petal aromas, caressing tannins, pomegranate and wild strawberry flavours and a racy, balanced finish.