Ashbourne, Pinotage, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

9 barrels so relatively small production and from the first Pinotage planting in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley - in 1996 by Anthony Hamilton Russell. So some pedigree, though these are not especially old vines and 2018 wasn't the easiest vintage. Indeed this seems to be going through something of a difficult phase. Decanted, given plenty of air and drunk over three nights. Sadly it didn't really relax with the fruit hidden beneath prominent tannins. Time should help but I wonder if …

An easy afternoon with close friends; some random wines (By BV @ PdV) : Youthful bouquet with cherry liquor bonbons. Also some eucalyptus. On the palate concentrated juice, cherries, dark berries, sweet spices, ok acidity, some sweetness and sticky tannin.

Cherry, herbs, and a nice minerality. A tiny bit of smokiness and gaminess. Not a great value, but definitely an interesting (and pretty tasty) wine.

Deep red purple colour Ripe plums on the nose with beetroot, cardamom and a touch of smokiness. Full acidity on the palate, very fresh, mediums body, lots of dark fruit and some slatey tannin. No obvious oak Ines’s. Bit of warmth on the finish. Elegant fresh style, high alcohol and some trademark smoke but carries it well.

Medium to deep ruby red. A bit gamey on the nose with some smokiness and branches. Very light dark berries underneath. Medium tannins (6.5/10) with a medium plus body. Dry palate with lots of minerality, red berries and some cured meats. Long finish. Drink till 2033. (92+)