Red Blend of Cinsault, Pinotage, & Pinot Noir from Stellenbosch (Western Cape), South Africa.

Longridge Wine Estate in the Stellenbosch region in South Africa has partnered with Edward Ackerman, a former gang member (Skebenga refers to the South African slang term) to develop the non profit organization LightLife – dedicated to bringing change & safety to communities affected by gang crime.

Winemaker Jasper Raats ages the Pinotage (a cross between Pinot Noir & Cinsault, first developed in South Africa in 1926, & also known as Hermitage), Pinot Noir, & Cinsault separately for 16 months after their individual fermentations. He then blends the wines.

The wine has floral aromas with cherries, baking spices & intriguing notes of tea & vanilla on the palate. There’s a streak of charcuterie-like smokiness coursing through the wine from start to finish!