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I had to pinch myself when I realised that the 10th vintage of the Beeslaar Pinotage has been bottled – how time flies! After anxiously waiting for our bottles’ capsules to arrive from overseas, we are pleased to announce that our latest offering, the 2021, is now available for purchase. Our intended release date of early December appeared to be seriously jeopardised at one point when the shipping gods were not on our side, but the container ultimately arrived on schedule, and as they say, “all’s well that ends well.” The 2020 winter, leading up to the 2021 harvest, was sufficiently wet and cold to lay the foundation for an excellent vintage. Throughout the growing season we experienced pleasant cool conditions, resulting in a very slow and gradual ripening process. The 2021 vintage will be remembered as one of the latest in recent history, as the grapes were harvested ten days later than usual. As a winemaker, I’m quite thrilled about the 2021, because I think it will turn out to be another iconic Cape vintage, comparable to the magnificent 2015 and 2017 vintages. The standard of the 2021 looks exceptional, considering the slow ripening that resulted in extraordinary quality and complexity. The vineyard has of course aged over time, and as a result, it now boasts a remarkable natural harmony. The number of grapes produced by the vines and the growth of the canes require little human intervention, allowing the terroir and the vintage conditions to take centre stage. For me, the 2021 exhibits an impeccable balance, and there is a delicateness to the structure that is very special and unique. Power, combined with elegance, is definitely the hallmark of this vintage. |