WOtM - Rhebokskloof 'Vineyard Selection' 2014 Pinotage

My Wine of the Month for February is Rhebokskloof ‘Vineyard Selection’ 2014 Pinotage.
 

It is, I think, the first bottle I’ve had from this winery which is north-west of Paarl on a road linking the R44 and R44 shortly before they cross.

The property is large, in its own shallow valley with decomposed granite soils similar to those found at Kanonkop and L'Avenir in Stellenbosch, and thus eminently suitable for Pinotage.

And they have now the inimitable Chenin and Pinotage maestro François Naudé (ex L’Avenir) on board as Wine Manager.

Rhebokskloof (referring to the wild reebok deer that used to be common in the valley) has impressive grounds and a maturation cellar that makes a feature from  huge rounded sandstone rocks that tower out of the ground by its entrance. The area in front is transformed with shelters and lights to a magical place for weddings and functions.

But back to the wine. I was knocked out when tasting Rhebokskloof ‘Vineyard Selection’ 2014 Pinotage at the winery's tasting counter and had to buy a bottle.

It has a bold nose which asserts itself with perfumes of black cherries and plums as it’s poured and then showing a rich garnet colour in the glass. 

This is a statement wine, big rich and powerful, full of black berries, cherries and plums and an underlying it all, very dark chocolate. Very impressive, very drinkable.