Rijks Reserve Chenin Blanc 2021  £29.80

Rijks Reserve Pinotage 2018

Rijk’s is situated in the Tulbagh Valley, 120km North East of Cape Town. They are a family-owned estate where good wine, food, family and friends come together. Sustainably farmed with a vision for the future, the Estate continually produces award winning wines.

Focused solely on Chenin Blanc and Pinotage, Rooted deep in rich vertical shale soils and experiencing a Mediterranean climate with cool summer winds, Rijks have an ideal environment for making exceptional wines.

This is a Special Reserve selection Pinotage from 20 of the finest barrels of the year.  Grapes were night harvested and picked by hand to retain flavours followed by a 48-hour cold maceration period prior to fermentation to extract colour and fruit.  Extraction during fermentation took place by doing manual punch downs 3 times per day. Skins were gently pressed before fermented dry. MLF took place in barrels, after which it was matured for 22 months in 60% new and 40% 2nd fill French oak barrels. This wine was made by blending a strict selection of the finest 20 barrels.

A concentrated and multi-layered wine. Raspberry, ripe plum and white pepper aromas with the slightest hint of milk chocolate. The palate is rich and balanced with notes of blackcurrant, cherry and darker fruits ending in a long lingering finish. This wine shows the power of the vintage, without compromising on elegance and finesse. Silky, well integrated tannins ensure excellent longevity.

Ageing Potential: 15 Years after vintage.