Eikendal Pinotage 2014 clinches Double Platinum status
Its unwavering quest for varietal excellence is paying off for the distinguished Eikendal Estate, who has just clinched a spot in the fine-wine only 2016 Top 100 SA Wines competition for its Pinotage 2014.
In addition to its Top 100 triumph, the Eikendal Pinotage 2014, which breaths elegance and finesse, was awarded Double Platinum status by the National Wine Challenge of which the Top 100 SA Wines now forms part of. The esteemed international palates of the Top 100 SA Wines panel also awarded Double Gold to four Eikendal reds from the 2013 vintage: the beguiling, Shiraz-driven Charisma; flagship Bordeaux blend, Classique 2013; Merlot and multi-crowned Cabernet Sauvignon. Double Silver went to two Eikendal whites; the estate’s flagship Chardonnay 2014 and Sauvignon Blanc 2015.
“Aspiring to iconic status, Eikendal produces esteemed wines that impress with great fruit purity and strong regional and varietal integrity. It is above all the quality of our lively soils and enviable terroir on the foot of the Helderberg that makes it possible to produce our quality wines,” shares Nico Grobler, a dedicated and thoughtful cellarmaster and reason behind Eikendal’s growing success.
“Eikendal has come a long way since its fledging days in 1981. Today we embrace a gilt-edged era of a more focused and structured wine lineage that showcases the best in varietal recognition. Awards do not define your wines, the vineyards do and fortunately we sit on a ‘good wicket’,” adds Nico.
In addition to its ‘great dirt, in a great place’, Eikendal also enjoys a favourable climate, a near perfect blend of warm and cool, with the proximity of False Bay (8 kilometres) and the Helderberg Mountain lending a desired cooling effect which is perfect for berry, colour and structure development.
“We get enough light intensity to develop a desired taste profile with reduced green characters, but due to our proximity to the coast and the Helderberg Mountain we are exposed to wind and sea breezes, especially at night time. This has a great cooling effect which is perfect for berry, colour and structure development and helps to control growth, crop size and quality,” adds Nico.
More about the Eikendal Pinotage 2014
An eminent rendition of South Africa’s homegrown grape varietal, the Eikendal Pinotage 2014 shows real composure, elegance and impressive finesse.
“The terroir of this specific single vineyard block with its decomposed ‘koffieklip’ (coffee stone) soil, definitely improved our odds to reap the full potential of this wine,” explains Nico.
This red wine was whole bunch pressed and then naturally fermented in 500-litre 2nd and 3rd fill oak. 10% of the grapes were whole bunch fermented which adds unique body and length to the wine. After fermentation the wine was kept on the lees for 12 months before it was blended and bottled.
The nose reveals an attractive, perfumed nose of violets, sour cherries and peppery spices. It is a well-structured wine with soft tannins and a rich taste of black cherries lusciously melded with plums and a hint of charred game that satisfies with a long and ripe finish.
The Eikendal Pinotage 2014, which has good ageing potential of up to six years, pairs brilliantly with venison, hearty winter stews and rich fish dishes.
The wine retails at R100 per bottle at the cellar door or find it at selected fine wine outlets and restaurants countrywide. For more information or wine orders contact Eikendal at Tel: 021 855 1422 or email: [email protected].
