2022 · Private Cellar Pinotage

RIJKS is a family-owned estate in South Africa’s Tulbagh Valley, founded by Neville Dorrington in 1996 and now run with his son Tiger. Its vineyards are rooted in well-drained vertical shale soils and focus on Chenin Blanc, Pinotage and Shiraz, with both bush vines and trellised vines contributing different expressions. Farming is sustainability-focused, using chemical-free vineyard management, cover crops, mulching and natural pest control, though no formal certifications are listed. Grapes are hand-harvested at night, while the cellar follows a minimal-intervention approach with gentle, clean fermentations and limited additives. Pierre Wahl has been involved since 2002, with Adriaan Jacobs leading winemaking since 2022. The estate also includes a Cape Dutch-style guesthouse, restaurant and tasting facilities.