Orpheus & The Raven No 42
Before I'd even considered requesting an interview with Brenden Schwartz, Owner and Creative Director at BRAVO design, I knew that I wanted to showcase one of the Orpheus & The Raven wines. Brenden is one half of The Vinoneers, alongside winemaker Etienne Louw. They own the Orpheus & The Raven brand. And, of course, Brenden crafts these labels! They are exquisite with their detailed illustrations, decadent paper choices, foiling and embossing. It's clear that so much love and effort went into these labels. It's the same care and attention that Brenden extends to his BRAVO clients. Brenden's interview can be read here.
The Wine:
The loveliest perfectly ripe red cherries, red plums, soy sauce, dried shiitake mushrooms, sandalwood, liquorice, pepper, smoke (like an old wildfire rather than a braai), and dill.
Surprisingly medium bodied with great acidity, silky but firm Pinot-esque tannins, and a good length to the finish. Pomegranate juice, prickly pear fruit, and the crunch of guava seeds join the red berries and plums. Banana skin...it’s just what I usually get with Pinotage. There’s also an intriguing a green tomato note that initially hides behind the juicy red fruits, then lingers in the back of your throat on day 1, but disappears by day 2.
Vini + Viti:
Pinotage (51%), Cinsault (34%) and Pinot Noir (15%) from Durbanville, Ceres Plateau and Stellenbosch.
These are vinified separately in open cement and stainless steel fermenters.
The Pinotage was aged in a combination of French and American oak. While the Cinsault and 15% Pinot were aged in only French oak. The Orpheus & The Raven No 42 was matured for 15 months.
Final thoughts:
Gosh...this Orpheus & The Raven No 42 really is surprisingly light and fresh and delicate...not something I expected from the ornate and heavy bottle. It’s clever in the way that it showcases the delicacy of Pinot Noir and Cinsault, and celebrates the delicacy that Pinotage can be.
