2022 Remhoogte - Pinotage Simonsberg Vantage (750ml)

Remhoogte is a family-owned estate in the foothills of the Simonsberg mountain in Stellenbosch, purchased by Murray and Juliet Boustred in 1994 and rebuilt from the ground up with new vineyards and a new cellar. Their son Chris Boustred, who trained in viticulture and oenology at Stellenbosch University and worked harvests in Australia, Bordeaux, and California, took over winemaking in 2007 and now leads a low-intervention program rooted in wild fermentation and estate-grown fruit. The family remains hands-on today, with siblings Rob and Sam handling sales and marketing.

The Vantage Pinotage comes from two hectares of bush vines planted high on a granitic ridge overlooking Stellenbosch, one of the coolest sites on the property thanks to its elevation and proximity to the Atlantic. Grapes are hand harvested and sorted before most of the fruit ferments without inoculation in large French oak tanks, with a portion of whole clusters and a small carbonic maceration component added for freshness.

The wine offers aromas of cassia, black cherry, raspberry, red pepper, and cinnamon. On the palate it turns bright and juicy, with delicate acidity, soft tannin, and a long, savory finish. Try it with grilled venison, spiced lamb, or a plate of cured meats.