2020 Retirement @65, Blank Bottle Winery

Country: South Africa

Region: Swartland

Type: White

Producer: Pieter Walser

Grape: Cinsault, Syrah

Bottle Size: 75cl

Vintage: 2020

Alcohol: 13.5%

Fresh, floral and prefumed this wine has a pinot noir-esque weight to it. Very supple palate with juicy blackberries, raspberry leaf, even a little savoury herbal touch. The ideal BBQ wine this can handle a slight chill as well.

The Story:

The name is a reference to the beautiful old Cinsault vineyard where much of the fruit that goes in to this wine is from (there is a little bit of Syrah too from the neighbouring vineyard). This wine was made for the first time in the vineyards 65th year after years of the farmer battling with birds pecking the grapes resulting in rot or sheep simply eating everything in sight. When the farmer did have a successful harvest the fruit went to one of the larger local wineries. Having been formally retired from service in its 63rd year, Pieter took his chance and snuck in. Several years careful nursing and recuperation farming, plus bird nets and a better fence and here it is – Retirement @ 65. A Cinsault driven blend from Darling in the Western Cape. Very hands off winemaking – with small amounts of sulphur added just before bottling. Pieter, you’re on to a winner.