At a glance

Producer

Painted Wolf Wines

Region

Western Cape, South Africa

Grape variety

Red Blend (typically dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with other Bordeaux varietals)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$15-$25

Tasting profile

Blackberry, dark plum, cedar, subtle spice and earth notes with moderate oak influence.

Evolution: Will develop more leather, tobacco, and dried herb notes over the next 5-7 years.

At peak: Complex layers of dark fruit, fine tannins, and well-integrated oak with long finish.

Structure

Acidity

Medium, balanced

Tannins

Medium to medium-plus, well integrated

Alcohol

Approx. 13.5%-14.0%

Aging potential

8-12 years from vintage, up to 2030

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2030

Optimal window

2022 to 2030

Current status

Approaching early maturity

Current condition

The 2018 vintage is already showing good depth of fruit with structure suitable for medium-term cellaring.

The Painted Wolf Pictus VIII 2018, from a quality vintage in South Africa's Western Cape, combines ripe fruit and moderate tannic structure allowing it to mature gracefully over a decade. Its Bordeaux-style blend profile and balanced acidity contribute to an extended drinking window, peaking around 7-12 years post vintage.

Food pairing

Grilled red meats, lamb, game dishes, hearty stews, and mature cheeses.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (45 minutes to 1 hour) — To allow the medium plus tannins and complex aromas to open up and soften.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Painted Wolf Wines follows sustainable farming practices including water conservation, integrated pest management, and use of solar energy. Packaging is lightweight to reduce waste and carbon footprint.

Painted Wolf Wines is committed to sustainable viticulture through active management of environmental resources, certifications promoting social and ethical farming, and careful consideration to energy use and packaging to minimize ecological impact. Their environmental practices are above average for South African producers, earning a solid sustainability rating.