Traildust

This wine is best served chilled (14°C) and combines well with duck or game carpaccio.

It is the second year running where we had a cool dry winter which meant not enough rain. We had less than 40% of our normal rainfall leading up to the harvest and the year before that we had 50% less. So, at the moment we have big drought issues. At least on the positive side, there was less wind for us in Nov/Dec. Also, fewer diseases/pests and growth vigour in the vineyards due to the dry weather. The climate factor that played probably the biggest role in making 2017 a great vintage was the cool nights during January/Feb/ march. Harvest started on 23 January with Pinotage as usual and was 2 days earlier than last year which means it was our earliest start yet on Beyerskloof. This continued until 8 March where we finished with Cabernet Sauvignon. In general, the grapes were healthy, berries were small and concentrated. On the total yield, we were still 20% down on our long-term average. Quality of the wines so far looks extremely good with rich dark colours and brilliant fruit on all the red cultivars. Also, analytically the wines look excellent. It a little early but I think this will be another vintage like 2009 or 2015 or maybe even better!

After malolactic fermentation, the wine aged in third fill French oak barrels for 12 months.

4 days on the skins at 26°C in open fermenters. Punch downs were done every 2 hours during fermentation.

Since planting the first vineyards in Stellenbosch more than thirty years ago, we have become one of the leading red wine producers in South Africa with an unrivalled love for Pinotage. For us, winemaking is a way of life and a privilege. We love what we do, and our hope is for consumers to share in the same thrill and excitement we experience when enjoying this local legend. Our specialty is showcasing the country’s heritage varietal, with which we strive to tell a story with each of these wines. Make yourself at home, fill your glass, and join us on this journey.