Description

The Mentors Pinotage 2020

VINTAGE CONDITIONS: The 2020 vintage was characterized by generally
favourable conditions, improved winter rainfall preceding the growing season
and generally mild conditions. This resulted in improved crops in particular in the
coastal areas or Swartland, Wellington, Paarl and Stellenbosch. The vintage
period was lower in disease pressure than the 2019 vintage but some rainfall
during vintage did require careful management. The spring period was
unusually warm prompting early bud break and accelerated early growth while,
the summer through vintage was mild in terms of temperature with fewer peaks
or periods of high temperature. This resulted in an early vintage start and a
compressed February finishing earlier than in recent years. Wines show great
retention of freshness and flavour with good tannin development and aging
potential. We are hugely excited about the quality of the 2020 Vintage.

WINEMAKING: A three-step selection process ensured only the best quality fruit
was chosen for fermentation. Selective picking in the vineyard, followed by both
bunch and berry selection on the sorting table in the KWV The Mentors cellar, is
strictly followed. The cuvée was inoculated after two days of cold soaking.
Fermentation took place at 26oC over six days. The wine was pressed before
alcoholic fermentation was completed, to prevent the extraction of hard and dry
tannins. The wine matured in barrel for 18 months.

MATURATION: The wine was matured for 18 months in oak barrels – 85% of
French origin and 15% American. A 70% portion of the barrels was first-fill.

WINE DESCRIPTION: This wine reflects the true varietal characteristics of a
modern-styled Pinotage, with an abundance of blackcurrants and plums, and
hints of fruitcake and cloves on the nose. The intense concentration on the
palate shows sweet fruit and well-integrated oak. The silky-smooth tannins
contribute to the wine’s juicy, round and seamless finish.

SERVING SUGGESTION: This Pinotage is the perfect accompaniment to a
pork-belly roast with garlic and sage or a succulent beef roulade.

CELLARING POTENTIAL: This wine can be enjoyed now, but will also cellar well for
five to eight years.