Grape Varieties:
Pinot Noir (45%), Pinotage (35%), Cinsault (20%)
Wine Making Method and Maturation:
The Pinot Noir comes from Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge and consists of two clones, namely PN777 and PN115. The grapes are grown on Bokkeveld shale soils.
The Pinotage is sourced from bush vine vineyards in the Swartland, where the grapes grow on decomposed granite.
The Cinsault comes from Darling, from a similar soil type but not from bush vines.
The Wine of Origin is Cape Coast.
The Pinot Noir was crushed with 30% left as whole bunches and the rest de-stemmed.
The grapes were left to start with natural fermentation and inoculated with selected yeast after 3 °Brix was fermented out.
The grapes were pressed using a wooden basket press and left to complete malolactic fermentation in barrels.
The Pinotage and Cinsault were fermented and aged separately, and the trio were only blended together after 20 months of barrel aging.
The final blend consists of 45% Pinot Noir, 35% Pinotage, and 20% Cinsault.
Wine Tasting Notes:
On colour
The Survivor Cellar Master Series Reunion shows a medium to deep ruby core with a slight garnet tinge at the rim, indicating a youthful yet evolving red blend of some concentration and ripeness. The wine appears bright and clear with moderately thick, coloured legs, suggesting a generous level of alcohol and extracted fruit.
On the nose
The nose is pronounced and ripe, opening with dark berry and black cherry fruit layered over plums, framed by notes of cedar, vanilla and sweet spice from well-integrated oak. Subtler tones of dried herbs, tobacco leaf and a hint of cocoa add complexity, while a gentle floral lift and touch of pencil shavings point to careful cellar work and blending.
On the palate
On the palate the wine is dry with full body, offering concentrated flavours of blackcurrant, mulberry and ripe cherry supported by toasted oak, baking spice and a savoury, earthy undertone. The tannins are firm but polished, giving a structured, slightly grippy texture, balanced by medium acidity and warm alcohol, leading to a long, complex finish where dark fruit and spicy, chocolatey notes linger.
On the whole
A rich, oak-spiced, dark-fruited red blend with polished structure and a long, satisfying finish.
