Orpheus & The Raven No. 7 Pinotage 2023
Orpheus & The Raven No. 7 Pinotage 2023 is a dry, full-bodied red from Pinotage (Western Cape, South Africa), in the full, structured reds style. Tannins are firm and acidity moderate; oak influence is noticeable. Good with steak, lamb, venison, cheese board. Drink within 10 years (to about 2033). Decant for about 1 hour. Critic score 93/100 (merchant-reported).
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rijk's Private Cellar Pinotage 2021 Rijk's · Western Cape | £28.48 | |||
| Darling Cellers Old Blocks Pinotage 2021 Darling Cellars · Darling | £28.60 | |||
| Southern Right Pinotage 2023 Southern Right · Hemel-en-Aarde Valley | £29.00 | |||
| Doran Vineyards Pinotage, Voor Paardeberg 2024 Doran Vineyards · Voor Paardeberg | £16.50 |
Cellar for up to 10 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. No. 7 is a delicious homage to South Africa’s premier grape, the mighty Pinotage. It opens with a layered bouquet of dark fruits, smokey cigar box, chocolate and leather. The fruits were sourced from shaly soils, in the Stellenbosch region of the Cape wine lands. Orpheus and the Raven was founded in 2013, by two friends who wanted to stamp their own unique style on the wine world. It is owned by wine-maker Etienne Louw and graphic designer Brenden Schwartz. They have received multiple awards over the years, particularly for their striking, baroque-style labels, which earned them 3 gold medals at the Winemag Wine Label Design Awards. On the palate, this is a ripe and round Pinotage wine, with classic notes of dark stewed fruit, cigar smoke and baking spice. The terroir has imparted a hint of minerality, and you can also discover an excellent tannic structure, hinting towards its cellaring potential. The wine was aged for 18 months before release, in barrels of 50% new oak. Hints of blackberry jam and molasses emerge on the finish. Enjoy this wine with grilled meats, barbecue, or a mushroom burger.