Now I know why Lions Drift 2009 Pinotage is served in flight for Business Class passengers on American Airlines or at sea on Silversea Cruises…this wine is a destination in itself and its story is a journey which you will truly savor!
Pinotage was bred in South Africa in 1925 and is a cross between the Pinot Noir and Cinsault grapes. The journey for the story of Lions Drift 2009 Pinotage takes us to Silkbush Mountain Vineyards, 341 acres in Breedekloof in the Western Cape of South Africa. Dave Jefferson was originally hired to discover a wine farm with potential in South Africa for a major California winery. Although he collaborated with viticulturist Anton Roos and found several suitable areas, the winery decided not to invest. Years later, Mr. Jefferson located a perfect fruit and grape farm which was available for purchase and with Anton Roos as his business partner, the deal closed in 2000. Currently, there are approximately fourteen partner families collectively providing a majority of the capital invested. Once vines were producing grapes, high profile wineries contracted with the two owners to purchase their quality product…and the wines quickly began garnering awards! In 2008, Jefferson and Roos hired talented winemaker, Bennie Wannenberg, and began producing their own wines from Silkbush Mountain Vineyards. The Lions Drift 2009 Pinotage is their first publicly available wine exported to the United States…and I loved the unique aromas and tastes of this signature wine sent to me as a sample which expresses the specific terroir from South Africa~ My tasting note follows…
**Lions Drift 2009 Pinotage – The medium garnet color was enticing and with intense aromas of sweet spice, vanilla, raspberries, and earth, I knew this was going to be interesting! On the palate, I enjoyed the warmth of fruits, more earth, and even some vegetal notes. The dry mouthfeel, chewy tannins, 14.5% alcohol, and fruitiness were balanced, smooth, and with a lingering finish it was perfect for a chilly December evening with roasted peppercorn pork tenderloin. Although it’s possible to cellar Pinotage for at least ten years (maybe twenty!), it will be difficult to cellar the Lions Drift! Cost is $18.00.
Naturally, I wish I could travel (Business Class on American of course so I could have a glass of this wine on the way!) to Silkbush Mountain Vineyards and interview the major players myself but since that’s not possible at the moment, the following video from their outstanding website shares the beauty of this land, the story of the winery and their wines, and a feeling as if we are a part of the process.
The name “Lions Drift” refers to a safe river crossing usually at a shallow area called a “drift” which was essential to the survival of humans and animals before bridges were built. The prides of lions in the Western Cape roamed the area where these wines are produced and this particular wine celebrates a bygone era. Do you now want to travel to South Africa and enjoy this Pinotage yet are unable to do so? You may purchase it online at www.cape-ardor.com with shipping from California or in Northern and Southern California, Minnesota, Alabama, or Florida where it is distributed!
Loving this wine in the air, on the sea, or in South Africa? Perhaps…perhaps not. But regardless, your fascinating journey understanding the story of Lions Drift 2009 Pinotage from Silkbush Mountain Vineyards may just lead to the final destination, your own home, with a unique and delicious wine for you to swirl, sip, and savor!
Cheers! ~ Cindy
