Number 42 Cape Blend
The Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything
In their search for answers to the great questions of life, Orpheus and the Raven’s eyes were opened by the light of the present.
But the curious pair knew that beyond the light, the universe had more to offer.
“True knowledge exists in knowing that you know nothing, Orpheus,” said the Raven. “Then the answer to the ultimate question is obviously 42!” replied Orpheus in delight.
Vinification
No.42 2018 is a Cape Blend of 56% Pinotage, 31% Pinot Noir & 13% Cinsaut.
Pinotage is a South African crossing of one half Pinot Noir (regarded by some as the Prince of Red Varieties ) and one half Cinsaut (traditionally a “work horse” in the South African industry). Through a series of coincidences, Pinotage has emerged as South Africa’s most prominent home-grown variety.
Orpheus and the Raven No.42 celebrates the heritage of Pinotage and its parent cultivars.
One of the foremost challenges in the creation of 42 was to identify wine-growing sites which will deliver on the glorious whole that we envisioned when all the diverse components are amalgamated.
Subsequently, fruit from vineyards in Walker Bay, Bottellary Hills and Durbanville were sourced. The grapes were sorted, crushed and vinified in a combination of open cement and closed stainless steel fermenters.
After malolactic fermentation, the components were aged separately in oak barrels (30% new) for 18 months prior to blending and bottling. A combination of French and American oak was used in the Pinotage-fraction, while the Cinsaut and Pinot Noir were aged in French oak exclusively.
2017 - 41⁄2 star Platter's (2015)
2018 - 41⁄2 star Platter's (2016)
2018 - Grand Prix Wine Label Design Award
2019 - 41⁄2 star Platter's (2017)
2020 - Vivino Wine Style Awards (Runner-up in Cape Blend category)
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Tasting Notes
Ripe plum and cherry fruit on the nose with a hint of toasty oak.
Just as Pinot Noir and Cinsaut brought its unique characteristics to the crossing of Pinotage, so too is its contribution in No.42.
While Pinotage was primarily respon- sible for structure and vibrant oak notes, Pinot Noir and Cinsaut contributed elegance and Old World sensibility.
Ripe plum and cherry fruit on the nose with a hint of toasty oak.
The entry on the palate is silky and elegant, and the finish is enhanced by a velvety tannin structure and modern oak flavours.
