Rijk’s Flagship 888 Pinotage Gold 2015

Rijk’s Flagship 888 Pinotage Gold 2015 is a luxurious and full-bodied red wine that is both fruit-driven and food-friendly. This wine showcases the unique character of Pinotage, offering a dense and powerful bouquet and a plush, balanced palate.

Tasting Notes:

Aroma: Loaded with ripe, brambly berry and plum aromas, complemented by notes of black pepper and a touch of cocoa powder.
Palate: Plush and decadent with superb balance between supple yet structured tannins, ample acidity, and bold black-fruit flavors.
Technical Analysis:

Cultivar: 100% Pinotage
Alcohol: 14.0%
Residual Sugar: 1.3 g/l
Total Acidity: 6.1 g/l
pH: 3.5
In the Vineyard:

Soil: Low yielding, well-drained vertical shale/schist
Yield: 5.6 tons/Ha
Aspect: West-North-West
Harvest:
Grapes were hand-picked at night to retain flavors, ensuring the highest quality of the fruit.

Cellar Practices:
The grapes underwent a 56-hour cold maceration period before fermentation. Pigeage took place three times per day to extract tannin and color. Skins were pressed at 5°B, and malolactic fermentation (MLF) occurred in barrels. The wine was matured for 22 months in 66% new and 34% second-fill French oak barrels, with a strict selection of three barrels for the final blend.

Ageing Potential:
10 to 12 years after vintage, making it a wine that can be enjoyed now or aged for further complexity.

Serving Temperature:
Recommended to be served at 17°C.

Overall Impression:
Rijk’s Flagship 888 Pinotage Gold 2015 is a dense and powerful wine with a plush and balanced palate. Its ripe berry and plum aromas, along with black pepper and cocoa powder notes, make it a complex and enjoyable wine. The meticulous vineyard and cellar practices ensure its high quality and excellent ageing potential, making it a standout choice for any red wine enthusiast.