L’Avenir Single Block 2020 recognised as South Africa’s best Pinotage
The 2020 L’Avenir Single Block Pinotage was acknowledged as the top Pinotage in the 2024 Platter’s South African Wine Guide. This recognition by the most authoritative South African wine guide highlights L’Avenir’s leadership in modern, site specific, Stellenbosch Pinotage.
The first L’Avenir Pinotage was produced 30 years ago by the legendary Pope of Pinotage, Francois Naude. Since then, the Estate has become synonymous with fine examples of this variety. L’Avenir’s current winemaker and general manager, Dirk Coetzee, is specifically committed to taking Pinotage to a next level globally.
“As Pinotage specialists we are standing on the shoulders of pioneers that established this varietal, but it’s now our responsibility to secure Pinotage’s place in the global fine wine space,” explains Coetzee, who has now been at the helm at L’Avenir for 15 vintages.
The L’Avenir Single Block Pinotage is an example of how site specific, single vineyard wines have played a role in refining the variety. Block 2, the revered vineyard from which the Single Block Pinotage is crafted, is situated at the highest site on L’Avenir, right in the middle of a geographic vein of decomposed shale. “The wine from this site is inimitable, elegant and refined, with brilliant fruit intensity. By focussing on single site expressions the vocabulary about Pinotage is becoming more sophisticated and goes beyond merely which oak was used and the ripeness level at which the grapes were picked,” quipped Coetzee.
Known for its precision, cool aromatics, intense black fruit and chalky, mineral tannins, L’Avenir’s Single Block Pinotage is an example of new generation Pinotages that are focussed on balance and finesse. “In the cellar we simply aim to express the fruit intensity and purity that we get from the vineyard. This means light pump- overs and gentle extraction. The berries are remarkably small, with quite thick skins and the wine will naturally have a deep purple colour and smooth, supple tannins,”explains Dirk. The 2020 vintage spent 18 months in first and second fill French oak barrels.
Each bottle of Single Block Pinotage 2020 is individually numbered and available on allocation.
About L'Avenir Wine Estate
L'Avenir is a proudly South African wine estate dedicated to the future of Pinotage. Specializing in authentic, single vineyard wines, L'Avenir embodies craftsmanship and a commitment to excellence. The estate offers a selection of six hand-crafted variants of Pinotage, more than any other producer worldwide. L'Avenir's human touch is evident in their multigenerational farmworker team and minimal intervention winemaking approach. The estate also features a 4-star country lodge and world-class conferencing facilities.