Cinsault, 2021

The straight Cinsault is a great example of Donovan’s intuitive and adaptive approach to winemaking. A variety with some detractors in more traditional circles, his Cinsault shows that when picked early and extracted softly, it can be really delicious variety with enough substance to stand on its own. From two parcels, one in the Swartland and one in Darling, the Swartland component brings structure and Darling all the perfume (this site is shared with Duncan Savage for his “Follow the Line”). Whole bunch fermentation on the Darling and 50% on the Swartland, the 2021 maintains an understated fine fruit profile with lifted red fruits of red cherry and strawberry. Aged half in old barrels (Darling) and half in concrete (Swartland), bottled after around six months to maintain freshness.