Can BC wines age well? That is a question that has been asked for a while. A few years ago at a VQA Trade Seminar, I was able to taste a sample of aged, 10 years +, wines. The wines were not past their prime and some could still age I believe. So I was very curious about this bottle of Stoneboat Vineyards Pinotage 2007, which is now 14 years old, that I had stored in my wine cabinet waiting for the right occasion. COVID has made me start thinking about opening up my older wines so I decided that today was the day. Carpe Diem!
I have enjoyed Pinotage, a South-African cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut, since I was part of the South World Wine Society in Vancouver. I was told by a South African winemaker that Pinotage can pair with almost anything. I prepared some grilled hamburgers as it was a sunny day and the Pinotage did pair nicely with my burger.
How did this BC-grown Pinotage age? Very well I must say, both upon opening and with some decanting time. I am thankful that I stored this wine well, first in my basement and then in my wine storage cabinet. If you want to read more about storing wine and how to create a cellar to store you wine, you can read this article which I helped write a part.
My Wine Tasting Notes
Stoneboat Vineyards Pinotage 2007 (BC $priceless)
Appearance: It still has a deep garnet colour with a tawny edge.
Nose: A medium intensity nose showing leather, red fruits, sweet spices and touches of oak and vanilla. With decanting you can add dried fruits to the aroma profile.
Palate: Medium-bodied, dry with a soft mouthfeel. Supple tannins and medium acidity. Leather, red fruits, dried fruits, prune and black cherry flavours. This wine became a bit smoother with decanting and there was some oakiness as well. The fruits and leather flavours continued with decanting.
Finish: Medium-plus length with red fruit, black cherries, dried fruits and medium pepperiness. The tannins were firmer with decanting. There was also some liquorice flavour on the finish.
This is an elegant ambassador for aged red BC wines. It is not past its prime and still has good fruit and tannic structure, but also gives you some secondary and tertiary aromas and flavours. This vintage is of course no longer available, but please purchase a few bottles of Stoneboat’s current Pinotage and try opening them every few years and see how they are ageing.
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