Ashbourne Pinotage 2022 is a benchmark expression of South Africa's signature grape, crafted by the team behind Hamilton Russell Vineyards in the cool-climate Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Produced from low-yielding vineyards on shale-derived soils, this elegant Pinotage redefines the variety with remarkable refinement, vibrant fruit and distinctive mineral freshness. Aged in French oak barrels and large foudres, the 2022 vintage offers outstanding balance, complexity and ageing potential.
The wine reveals expressive aromas of red cherry, raspberry, black plum and boysenberry, layered with hints of black olive, dried herbs, rose petal, spice and savoury minerality. Medium to full-bodied with silky tannins and lively acidity, it finishes long and elegant with exceptional freshness. A superb match for grilled meats, lamb, game, barbecue dishes and mature cheeses.

The Wine Advocate | RP 93
Published: Jun 05, 2025
Drink: 2025-2033 

The Ashbourne 2022 Hemel-En-Aarde Valley Pinotage offers raspberry, red cherry and a hint of that black olive or scorched earth that you often get with this grape. Pinotage has thick skins, and you also get bitter rose petal. Some liken it to a cross between Nebbiolo (thanks to the tannins) and a Beaujolais. "Anyone who says Pinot Noir is hard to make obviously hasn't made Pinotage," says winemaker Emul Ross. Farming is easy but the grape is difficult to vinify, with risks of volatile acidity and Brettanomyces (high sugar can contribute to bacterial growth). Made close to the ocean, this Pinotage shows a pretty mineral theme. Emul Ross suggests serving it at a barracuda barbecue, and I can't resist but submit that suggestion to your attention.

Ashbourne is the sister property owned by Hamilton Russell Vineyards in the Hemel-En-Aarde Valley. Proprietor Anthony Hamilton Russell did not want to see housing developments in the adjacent property, so he purchased the land. Ashbourne offers the opportunity to work with sandstone soils, which offer special saltiness the wines.

Wine Spectator | WS 93
Published: Nov 30, 2025

This refined, harmonious red weaves supple tannins and refreshing acidity with a lovely range of ripe and tangy black plum and boysenberry fruit, dried lavender, anise hyssop, tangerine peel and milled white pepper. Shows breadth and focus without excessive weight, lingering nicely on the spiced finish. Drink now through 2035. 210 cases made, 20 cases imported.

Ashbournewines.com

From the maiden release in 2001, this benchmark wine has redefined South Africa?s own red grape variety, Pinotage, with its classic, refined styling and unique complex character. This is a wine unlike anything else, intense, rich and savoury with a beautiful underlying minerality. 

Soil: Low vigour, stony, clay-rich, shale-derived soil
Alcohol: 13.57% Acid:5.70 g/l pH: 3.48 Residual Sugar: 2.0 g/l 
Barrel Ageing:10 months in 400 litre tight grained French oak barrels, 10 months in 2000 litre neutral Foudre
Wooding: 100% 400 litre French Oak and 2000 litre neutral Foudre
Tight Grain: 100%
1st fill: 40% 2nd fill: 20% 3rd fill: 30% 4th fill: 30%
French Coopers: Francois Freres
Yield: 4.68 tons/ha,29.95 hl/ha Production: 420 cases x 12
Vegan Friendly