Orpheus & The Raven Conspiracy of Ravens 2022

Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. Orpheus & The Raven is a South African winery founded in 2015 by two friends Brenden Schwartz and Etienne Louw. The two characters on the label are the alter egos of the founders and symbolize their differences in this creative collaboration and approach to the world of wine. Conspiracy of Ravens (part of the Le Beton series) is made with Pinot Noir grapes from the Ceres Plateau. After fermentation in open vats and malolactic in steel, the wine rests for 7 months in used oak barrels and 8 months in a Cellier concrete egg. Its name is inspired (and plays on) the collective name given to ravens and the design on the label recalls stories of mystery and intrigue. The wine reveals a brilliant pale ruby color and an intense and lively aromatic profile with a rich bouquet of cherries, currants, blueberries, and rhubarb on a background of light spicy, and earthy notes and elegant floral scents. On the palate, it is mineral and concentrated, fine and harmonious. It has a medium body, firm and well-integrated tannins, and a strong acidic vein that refreshes the palate. The finish is long and smooth. It should be served slightly chilled with roast duck or partridge, possibly with the musical background of Nothing Else Matters by Metallica, as suggested by the producer.