The Pledge Our Lekker 2022
TASTING NOTES
This vibrant Pinotage with a deep garnet centre has alluring aromas of sweet plums, mulberries and blue berries. Aromas of subtle oak spice fills the palate, creating richness and depth on the mid palate. The finegrained tannins are effortlessly integrated, leaving a smoothness to the finish.
VINEYARDS
60% Grapes are selected from one specific vineyards site on the Bottelary Hills. This block was planted in 1995 on Tukulu soils 270m –
300m above sea level in a Northwest – Southeast direction on a westerly slope. 40% Grapes were selected from a specific site in Franschhoek. These trellised vines were planted in 1999 on alluvial soils with drip irrigations. 6-8tons per hectare yield.
WINEMAKING
The grapes are handpicked in bins. Crushed and destem to open top fermenters. After one to three days of cold soaking, we inoculated with a selected yeast strain. With the Bottelary batch we did manual punch down every two hours for 7am to 23:00 for 4 days. The Franschhoek batch received 6 manual punch downs per day. After 4 days we scale down the punch downs to prevent over extraction of tannin. Fermentation peaked at 29°C. Once alcoholic fermentation is completed, the wine is taken to a combination of 225L and 300L barrels. The Franschhoek batch fermented on 1g/l top quality French Oak staves. 16 Months in a combination of Second, third and fourth fill barrels.
