Southern Right Pinotage 2023

Region and Vineyards

Southern Right is located in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, one of South Africa's coolest viticultural areas, just inland from the Atlantic Ocean. Maritime breezes moderate the climate, enabling gradual ripening and the retention of aromatic freshness. The valley's patchwork of soils, from ferricrete-rich granitic gravels to decomposed granite and shale-derived clays, lends both precision and structure to the wines.

For this vintage, fruit was also drawn from Swartland (48%) and Stellenbosch (30%), with Hemel-en-Aarde contributing 4%. These diverse origins enriched the wine's profile: Hemel-en-Aarde provided lift and freshness, Stellenbosch added structure, and Swartland contributed fruit weight and depth. Yields were modest at 5.8 tons/ha, ensuring concentration. Despite late-season rains, careful selection preserved grape integrity, allowing for vibrant, balanced wines.

Winemaking

The 2023 Pinotage was aged entirely in French oak barrels for nine months, split between 228-litre (51%) and 400-litre (49%) formats. Around 18% was new oak, with the remainder older or neutral barrels, ensuring subtle seasoning rather than dominant wood character. Toast levels were evenly balanced between blonde and medium, offering finesse and gentle complexity.

Alcohol was kept at 13.4%, reflecting full ripeness at moderate strength. The cooler-than-average season gave the wine a spine of natural acidity, with fermentation and maturation tailored to highlight purity of fruit and supple tannin texture. The interplay of soil diversity and barrel management resulted in a wine that is both expressive and refined.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with youthful purple highlights.
• Aroma: Blackberry, mulberry and dark cherry lifted by subtle spice, graphite, and a touch of fynbos. Notes of cocoa, vanilla and delicate smokiness from oak.
• Palate: Concentrated dark berry fruit balanced by vibrant acidity. Silky but structured tannins frame flavours of plum, bramble and spice, with earthy undertones leading to a savoury, long finish.

Did you know?

Southern Right takes its name from the Southern Right whale, an endangered species often seen off the Walker Bay coast. A portion of proceeds from each bottle supports whale conservation, uniting fine wine with marine preservation.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Springbok loin - its lean game character mirrors the wine's savoury, spicy dimensions.
• Smoked duck breast - the smokiness complements the Pinotage's berry fruit and oak nuance.
• Mushroom risotto - earthy notes resonate with the grape's subtle gamey edge.
• Cape Malay lamb curry - aromatic spices harmonise with the wine's ripe fruit and savoury finish.

History of Southern Right

Anthony Hamilton Russell, already at the helm of Hamilton Russell Vineyards since 1991, created Southern Right in 1994 to redefine South Africa's unique Pinotage in a more classic and internationally resonant style. His vision was to craft wines that balanced the distinctiveness of South African fruit with the refinement associated with fine European wines.

In 2005, Southern Right secured a permanent home when a 1,125-acre property was acquired on the western border of Hamilton Russell Vineyards. Just a few years later, in 2009, a modern 350-ton Overberg-style cellar was completed, designed specifically for Pinotage and Sauvignon Blanc. This facility marked a significant milestone, enabling the estate to fully control production with precision and quality.

Today, Southern Right is managed by Anthony Hamilton Russell alongside winemaker Emul Ross and viticulturist Johan Montgomery, who together ensure the wines remain true to the philosophy of terroir expression. Southern Right forms part of Hamilton Russell's family of estates, which also includes Ashbourne and Hamilton Russell Vineyards.

Region and Vineyards

Southern Right is situated in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, one of South Africa's most acclaimed cool-climate wine regions. The name, meaning "Heaven and Earth" in Afrikaans, is a fitting description of the dramatic coastal landscape where vineyards are just a few kilometres from the South Atlantic Ocean. The cool maritime influence tempers summer heat, allowing for slow ripening and the retention of natural acidity.

The soils are equally influential, with a mix of clay-rich Bokkeveld shale, decomposed granite, and sandstone. These bring both structural depth and mineral freshness to the wines. Southern Right farms its vineyards organically and is certified sustainable under the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) scheme. Furthermore, it has been recognised as a champion of biodiversity by the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative, reflecting its commitment to ecological stewardship.

Wine Range of Southern Right

Southern Right focuses on two key wines:

• Southern Right Pinotage - A reinterpretation of South Africa's emblematic red grape. Grown on clay soils, this Pinotage is intense yet classically styled, delivering complex berry fruit, fine tannins, and subtle spice. It embodies both ripeness and freshness, setting a benchmark for modern Pinotage.
• Southern Right Sauvignon Blanc - Crafted reductively to preserve freshness and terroir expression, it marries Old World minerality and length with hints of New World fruit generosity. Fruit from clay, granite, and sandstone soils adds structure, perfume, and saline brightness, elevating it well beyond a simple varietal style.

Did you know?

The estate is named after the Southern Right whale, an endangered species that frequents the nearby Walker Bay. With every bottle sold, Southern Right contributes to whale conservation efforts, uniting fine wine with environmental protection.