Babylonstoren Soetmelksvlei Pinotage 2018, Western Cape, South Africa

The vineyards of Babylonstoren are nestled in slopes of Simon’s Mountain, just north of Stellenbosch between Paarl and Franschhoek. The name dates back to a time when a large hill on the property became a routine meeting spot for the diverse local population. It became referred to as ‘The Tower of Babel’ due to the converging of the many languages spoken in the area. The farm is owned by former magazine editor Karen Roos. The first vintage was in 2011. The cellar master is Charl Coetzee (formerly of Kaapzicht and Clos Malverne) and the winemaker is Klaas Stoffberg (formerly of Ernie Els Wines). Wines are created in the high-tech cellar, with pressing and stainless steel aging occuring at ground level. Wines that will require oak aging are pumped below ground to the cellar. Cellarmaster Charl Coetzee and winemaker Klaas Stoffberg both have extensive experience producing wine both abroad and at home in South Africa. They work together to ensure that wines are as simple and pure as possible, striving for ‘Truth to the area we are situated in on the slopes of Simonsberg, and simplicity by making elegant and balanced wines as natural as possible.’ Soetmelksvlei Pinotage is a red wine hailing from the Overberg region in the Western Cape, South Africa. It’s made primarily from the Pinotage grape variety.