Bellingham, Coastal Region (South Africa) 2014

This wine’s proprietary name is a blending of the name of the grape Pinotage and the name of the winemaking technique Ripasso, the practice of fermenting wine on the skins and lees left from another fermentation to add weight and complexity to an otherwise bright, light styled red wine.  The result here is convincing, and the process adds depth to the wine and eliminates the ironite character that is common to Pinotage from South Africa.  It’s a pleasant mix of blackberry, fennel, cocoa and a touch of fresh mint, delivered over firm tannic structure and finishing long and well integrated.  Top it off with a value price and you’ve got another winner from Bellingham.