Gossamer Cellars 2017 Pinotage – “Adventure may hurt you, but monotony will kill you” – Anonymous
Gary Grant continues his quest to produce every varietal on the De Long’s Wine Grape Varietal Chart. Gossamer Cellars is located in Murphys in a small wine tasting room. His goal is to go wide and not deep in producing varietals to challenge everyday consumption of red and white wine presuppositions. Recently for example he has produced Treixadura, Negroamaro, Teroldego, Torrontes, Nebbiolo and may more. For the complete story see a previous story at:
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/01/18/gossamer-cellars-a-unique-find/
Last evening, I opened up a 2017 Gossamer Pinotage. The grapes come Lodi. For those unfamiliar with the varietal it is South Africa’s signature red wine. In 1925, Izak Perold cross pollinated Pinot Noir and Cinsault. Pinotage is as prevalent in South Africa as Malbec is in Argentina or Cabernet Sauvignon is in Napa Valley. The reason it flourishes in South Africa is that it can withstand drought conditions. A typical South Africa Pinotage characteristics are a deep purple color, plum and black aromas and a silky smooth finish.
Gary has captured many of these traits in his 2017 Pinotage. First on the eyes it exhibits a medium dark purple with light edges in the glass. While dark, it is still clear and translucent. The fist scent on the nose provides ripe strong summer strawberries and red cherries. On the palate, while “cool from the cellar” a distinct rhubarb came through. Later while warming up, blackberry, licorice and bramble underbrush were present. The rocky minerality and earth tones rounded out the sipping experience. The finish with rounded tannins, was smooth and provide a medium finish.
While this Pinotage is slightly different from a classical South Africa Pinotage, it still possess many of the key traits of this delightful varietal. Gary continues to be one of the most unique winemakers with his vision and definitely a pillar of creativity for wine aficionados with a sense of adventure. Thanks Gary!
Sláinte,
Michael
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