A unique Pinotage from Breedekloof! 

The Lycaon range of wines comprise a small selection of limited release wines from certified single vineyards. Our aim is to present the very best examples of the cultivar from some top sites in the Cape. The work Lycaon is from the scientific name for a Painted Wolf, that being Lycaon Pictus. Lycaon is derived from the Greek word Lycos.

A certified single vineyard on Silkbush farm in Breedekloof. The site is west to the northwest facing and is one of the highest Pinotage vineyards in the Cape at 700 to 750 meters above sea level. The cooling influence of the altitude results in a long hang time for the grapes. This is one of the last Pinotage vineyards to harvest in the
country. Yields are naturally low at around six tons per hectare. The vineyard produced a few top-rated Pinotage wines over the years and is rated amongst South Africa’s top Pinotage sites. 

Fermented with natural yeast in 700kg open fermenters, 20% of which were whole bunch. This wine spent 14 months in both French and American oak barrel or which 40% were new oak. The balance were 2nd and 3rd fill. 

Tasting Notes: Features layered red berry fruit and spice, a lively, rich palate with great concentration and poise, and a fresh finish with ripe, smooth tannins. Packed with vibrant, layered red berry fruit complemented by complex savory spice. Lively and rich with impressive concentration, balance, and poise, avoiding any heavy jamminess. Clean, fresh, and sustained, backed by ripe and smooth tannins.

Food Pairing: Oak-matured, structured red wine that pairs best with grilled red meat, roasted game like venison or duck, and smoky barbecue dishes. Grilled beef or steak: Charred proteins soften the wine's rich tannins. Venison: The savoury, dark fruit depth of the Pinotage matches rich game. Roasted duck or poultry: Earthy and smoky tones complement poultry fat. BBQ and braai: Smoky barbecue sauces and fire-grilled chops bring out the best in the oak, as well as smoked beef brisket. 

At 750 metres, the vineyard that supplies the grapes for Lycaon is the highest Pinotage planting in South Africa, picked six weeks later than our Swartland Guillermo Pinotage. Subtle, pure, racy and focused, it has nicely integrated 40% new French and American oak, blueberry, liquorice and strawberry flavours and hints of vanilla, cinnamon and toast. Tim Atkin - 92 points

ANALYSIS: ALC 13.5% | TA 6.1g/L | pH 3.60 | RS 2.2g/L