Kevin's comments: As an early ripening grape, Anthony Hamilton Russell  is convinced that Pinotage performs best in cooler areas where a longer, slower ripening season affords fully developed tannins and greater fruit complexity.

Chateau Tasting Notes

SOUTHERN RIGHT, SOUTH AFRICA

In 1994, Anthony Hamilton Russell (owner of Hamilton Russell Vineyards) founded Southern Right Cellars as a Pinotage specialist, convinced that Pinotage has the intrinsic qualities to produce truly world class wine with a distinct South African expression and typicity.  As an early ripening grape, it was his belief that Pinotage would perform best in cooler, maritime areas where a longer, slower ripening season would afford fully developed tannins and greater fruit complexity.

In partnership with  Kevin Grant (winemaker), the team initiated joint venture plantings on four carefully chosen, clay-rich sites in the cool, maritime, Walker Bay appellation.  Following in-depth soil research on Hamilton Russell Vineyards, into the stylistic impact of soil structure, the team is convinced that the most origin expressive, complex wines will be made off the stony, clay-rich Bokkeveld shale soils in the area. In 1998, a 113 hectare farm in the beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde Valley near Hermanus, was purchased as a central home for the Southern Ridge cellar.

The first Pinotage and Sauvignon Blanc were released in 1995 and Southern Right Cellars plans over the longer term to produce 10,000 cases of Pinotage and sauvignon Blanc.  The focus will always be on achieving the highest possible degree of quality, individuality and site expression.

With each bottle of Southern Right wine sold, Southern Right Cellars makes a contribution to the Southern Right whale in the Walker Bay after which the winery was named.

Grapes:             100% Estate grown Pinotage grapes.

Vinification:       The grapes were hand picked, crushed and fermented dry on their skins in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks.  After malolactic fermentation the wine was racked and matured in French oak casks.

Serve:               At room temperature with game, casseroles, duck and cheese.

Taste:               An excellent example of Pinotage with good structure and developed tannins where the soft wood flavours are complemented by berry fruits on the palate.