Wine Composition
100% Pinotage
Winemakers Comments
As expected, the diversity of sites used in the blend contributes to the complexity of the wine. The over-riding impression is youthfulness and vibrancy, which bodes well for the ageing potential of the wine. The wines from Stellenbosch sites add depth of structure and dark fruit overtones to the wine, whereas the Durbanville components contribute elegance and the sweeter red fruit spectrum. The 50% new oak is well-integrated owing to the extended maturation period. The entry on the palate is round and elegant, with good tannin structure to support the abundance of fruit on the palate. Our hope is that our no.7 will showcase the complexity and richness inherent to our proudly South African grape variety.
Awards
John Platter | 94 points
Technical Analysis
Alcohol Percentage
14.5%
TA
5.6 g/l
pH
3.56
RS
2.1 g/l
Winemaker
Name - Etienne Louw
Winery
Orpheus & The Raven was conceptualized in 2015 by winemaker Etienne Louw and graphic designer Brenden Schwartz.
These friends recognized a creative fire in each other and decided to direct this passion to develop a wine brand that is not driven by sales volumes, market share or consumer insight, but by a pure expression of the love for fine wine and art. With nothing in their arsenal except the freedom to express, passion, creativity, energy, and a single wine vat, the pair started Vinoneers, the umbrella company for the brand Orpheus & The Raven, which now includes three wines.
The creative duo’s vision finds expression in wines and labels which introduce something refreshingly unique to the South African wine market. The range of wines do all express a sense of place and purpose, as confirmed by the tales that inform on their creation. And rather than purely using the label to convey information about the wine, Etienne and Brenden use the labels to tell the story of their personal journeys inspired by the Greek play Orpheus in the Underworld.
At its core, the play encourages the audience to never look back; appropriate advice to Etienne who was a chemical engineer before embarking on a career as winemaker. With this as its departure, Orpheus & The Raven was developed as alter-egos for the Vinoneers.
Etienne, also a classically trained musician, is represented by Orpheus with his lyre. Brenden’s alter-ego derives from his family crest, which depicts a raven. Ravens are known to be highly creative, cunning, with a witty kind of wisdom and bravery - constantly encouraging Orpheus to look ahead.
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