De Waal Top of the Hill Pinotage 2018

De Waal Top of the Hill Pinotage 2018 represents a crowning achievement in South African winemaking, particularly for the Pinotage varietal. With its historic vineyard, dating back 71 years and noted as the oldest Pinotage vines in the world, this wine encapsulates a heritage of meticulous viticulture and winemaking expertise.

Accolades and Recognition:

Consistently high ratings in John Platter’s Wine Guide, including 4½ and 5 stars.
Multiple accolades such as WINE magazine’s Pinotage Champion and Double Gold at the Veritas Awards.
Included in Francesca Negri’s book “1001 Wines to Enjoy once in a Lifetime.”
Wine Details:

Variety: 100% Pinotage
Vintage: 2018
Ageing Potential: Excellent, with potential to mature beautifully for 10 – 12 years.
Vinification Process:

Fermentation & Maceration: 14 days, ensuring rich color and optimal extraction of flavors.
Barrel Maturation: 18 months in 100% new 225-litre French barriques, contributing to the wine’s robust structure and complex flavor profile.
Harvest Information:

Date: 17 February 2015
Sugar Level at Harvest: 24° B
Yield: Extremely low at 2 tonnes per hectare, concentrating the flavors and intensity of the fruit.
Vineyard Insights:

Location: North facing slopes of just 0.5 hectares, benefiting from optimal sunlight exposure.
Soil Type: Gravel and loam, ideal for stress on vines which enhances the quality of the grapes.
Trellising: Bush vines, traditional and suitable for the variety, promoting airflow and sun exposure.
Tasting Notes:

Appearance: Ink-dark with significant concentration.
Aroma: Intense black fruit, with undercurrents of complexity.
Palate: Rich middle palate with structured tannins, leading to a long, lingering finish that hints at the wine’s storied origin and meticulous production.
Food Pairing:

Exceptionally well-suited to rich game dishes like venison, oxtail pot, and mature Gruyere cheese, making it a versatile choice for fine dining.
De Waal’s Top of the Hill Pinotage is not merely a wine; it’s a testament to the legacy and potential of South Africa’s unique contribution to the world of wine – the Pinotage grape. This wine promises to not only delight the palate today but to develop further richness and depth with proper ageing.