Where Wine Meets Conversation

In the 1920s Professor Malcolm Black was hard at work trialling the cultivation of a peach variety which could endure the Cape’s gale-force winds. Peaches in South Africa would traditionally ripen during November and December, with the “Black South Easter” frequently damaging the crop. 

“Blackie”, as a researcher at the University of Stellenbosch, had a specific focus on the fruit trees. His experimental peach plantings were made in orchards on a fruit farm whose name and purpose would change in 1964 to Warwick Wine Estate. 

After many years, the orchard was subsequently replanted with Sauvignon Blanc vines. In honour of his spirit of innovation and resilience, the vineyard block, and two wines are named for him.

Chat With Professor Black - Wine In One Hand, Conversation In The Other

Floral and fragrant on the nose, with a concentrated and distinctive palate, the clean line of natural acidity adds drive and focus to the finish. The multifaceted Professor Black Sauvignon Blanc reflects complexity and texture from the extended lees contact which was undertaken in the tank.

“Blackie’s” legacy is embodied by Pitch Black, a unique wine of the famous 5 Bordeaux varieties with Cinsault (unoaked; whole bunch fermented) rounding out the red blend. The core of dark fruit flavours on the lush mouthfeel integrates with subtle nuances of soft spices. A silky tannin structure emerges because of a year’s maturation in mostly seasoned small oak French barrels.