2015 Epitome, Sumaridge Estate, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde

Sumaridges impressive Epitome blend was the wine which first persuaded us to begin shipping the estates wines over a decade ago, and its easy to see why with the latest and best yet vintage of their flagship blend - 2015 Epitome.

A fabulous blend of shiraz and pinotage from the Sumaridge vineyards in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley, close to Hermanus that is now considered to be where many of the finest South African wines are made. The proximity to the sea ensures cool winds to balance the heat which the traditional inland wine growing areas lack. This is their showtime red wine aged in new oak for 18 months with over five years of bottle age.  

The wine is close in style to a Northern Rhône with the pinotage, South Africas hometown grape giving the wine that extra backbone and density of flavour. 

Tasting note:
Deep in colour with an expressive plummy character and a rich, spicy, appeal. Big, bold black fruit, with notes of cinnamon and liquorice, and aromas of woodsmoke, and dark liqueur chocolate. Chewy, but ripe tannins with warm, spiced bramble fruit. Rich and powerful, but also fresh and very well-balanced. A great effort from the talented Walter Pretorius.