The Lycaon range of wines comprises a small selection of limited release wines from certified single vineyards. Grapes for the Painted Wolf Lycaon Pinotage 2021 were harvested from a high elevation vineyard on Silkbush farm in Breedekloof. The site is one of the lightest sites in the Cape with maximum possible sunlight hours and also one of the highest sites for Pinotage in the Cape at around 700 to 750 metres above sea level. Grapes were destalked and lightly crushed before being transferred on a conveyor into open stainless-steel tanks. The grapes were cold soaked for 5 days and fermentation began with wild yeast. Inoculated with a special yeast selected to enhance the cultivars vibrant fruit, the fermenting grapes were hand-punched 4 to 6 times a day. Pressed directly into barrel, the wine was matured for 14 months in a mix of French and American barrels, 40% new. 1,333 bottles were produced. Residual sugar: 1.6g/l. Bottled at 14%. (Bottle size 750ml)

Nose: Blackcurrant, bramble and raspberry draw you in on the nose, revealing whiffs of vanilla and nutmeg.

Palate: Layered red berry fruit and spice, raspberry, cranberry blackberry and a touch of black pepper. Lovely creamy texture.

Finish: Elegant with ripe smooth tannins and lingering notes of vanilla and cedarwood.