Laibach ‘Ladybird’ Organic Pinotage 2017

Laibach ‘Ladybird’ Organic Pinotage 2017

Winemaking

Produced from organically farmed grapes, the winemaking focuses on minimal intervention to preserve the fruit’s purity and natural expression. Gentle extraction and careful oak aging harmonize with the wine’s natural structure, ensuring freshness while enhancing complexity. The wine is a true reflection of Stellenbosch terroir under sustainable practices.

Tasting Notes

The wine shows a deep dark hue with a vibrant nose of red and black fruits such as mulberry, raspberry, and blackberry. The palate is balanced with soft tannins, good oak integration, and a long, lingering finish. Subtle hints of cedarwood, dark chocolate, liquorice, leather, and tobacco add complexity and depth – highlighting the organic nature and artisanal winemaking approach.

Alcohol: 14.5 %
Residual Sugar: 2.1 g/l
Total Acidity: 6.3 g/l
pH: 3.66
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch

Special Note

Laibach Ladybird Pinotage is well regarded for combining the classic Pinotage fruit character with refined elegance and sustainable viticulture, making it a standout example of organic South African wine.

Region
This famous region is 30 miles north east of Cape Town yet still close enough to the ocean to benefit from cool maritime conditions. These beautiful vineyards are dominated by scenic mountains and the region is home to some of the Cape`s most famous and influential wine estates. The most noted and important vineyards are located on the prized slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain. This small and highly rated sub-zone has fantastic terroir and is where many of South Africa`s top red cuvees are produced.

Producer
One of the Cape`s more recent wine estates having been purchased by the Laibach-Kuehner family in the early 1990s. An initial investment saw the 40 hectare property totally replanted and this was followed by the building of a state of the art and contemporary winery. Stuffed full of modern winemaking kit but using traditional barrel ageing, this is a wine estate with a growing reputation right on top of its game. Managed by the very likeable Mike Malherbe, a totally fanatical grape grower and in tandem with the exceptionally talented winemaker, Francois van Zyl they endeavour to craft modern drinkable and delicious wines for a sophisticated and discerning market. The first winery in South Africa to convert to organic viticulture in the early 2000s.

Complexity
The wine is complex with notes of spice, chocolate, mocha, and plum. Some tasters also noted hints of balsamic and smoke.

Overall
The wine is well-structured, with a great testimony of “terroir” and vintage working in harmony. It is a wine that is both elegant and powerful, with the versatility of the Pinotage grape being evident. It is also a wine that can be enjoyed now or cellared for further development. An aged Pinotage that’s rare to find, complex yet so easy to drink. It’s no wonder it’s a best seller with many wine drinkers not able to keep it for too long.