Phoenix Vineyards
1998 Napa Valley Estate Pinotage
Winemaker's Notes:
Varietal %s: 90% Pinotage, 10% Zinfandel (from the Estate House block)
Date of Harvest: September 13th and October 1st, 1998
Brix at Harvest: 23.3 to 24.6B
Length of Ferment: 7 to 9 days with up to 30 days total skin contact time Assmanshausen yeast culture used
End Alcohol: 13.7%
Time in Oak: 5 1/2 months in 4 year-old French Oak
Bottling Date: March 30th, 1999 (No fining or filtration) 43 cases produced
This is our first varietal Pinotage even though we have been growing the vine since 1990. The grape is a genetic cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault that was first rendered in South Africa earlier this century. It is a very rare find outside of its home country. We started growing it with dreams of someday making it into a wine of its own. That day has come.
After making it into wine for a few years we have come to understand the vines, grapes, and wine a little better. We have also been searching for a style that best captures the essence of the grape and what it has to offer in our meso- and micro-climate. In the winery the grape has tended to show more of its Rhone Valley (Cinsault) parentage.
We have made this 1998 Pinotage in a very fruit forward style; it has marks of a Beaujolais wine. The growing season was cool overall, with a late ripening curve; this didnt phase our South African friend. Pinotage has shown itself to be our earliest ripening variety, red or white, hands down. A little extra time for the fruit on the vine was appreciated. The development we achieved can be seen in the deep ruby/magenta color and the juicy, ripe red fruit aromas. Interestingly, we have chosen to ferment the wine each year with a special Assmanshausen. liquid yeast culture from Germany. This yeast is usually used with Pinot Noir and is reported to be an extractive yeast that accents fruit and spice. Many elements have come together to make the complexity seen in this wine.
This wine is a perfect foil for spring and summer fare, including foods from the backyard grill, with its vibrant fruit and rich texture.
