In The Cellar
All grapes were hand-picked into small lug-boxes. The grapes were destemmed and given hand punch-downs. About 20% of the wine was whole-bunch fermented.
In The Vineyard
This isolated vineyard in Overberg is planted in rocky shale soils. It is surrounded by mountain and covered with misty blanket of fog in the morning.
This is a fabulously taut, sleek focused Pinot Noir that shows a real sense of vitality and classical exuberance on the nose revealing earthy, savoury, meaty black fruited nuances not dissimilar to the youthful Pinot Noir reds from Gevrey-Chambertin in the Cotes de Nuits. There are plenty of complex supporting notes of stewed black cherries, ripe cassis and blueberries to add further interest. The palate is medium bodied with attractively supple tannins, a gentle spicy grip and again plenty of recurring ripe blackberry and pithy black cherry on the finish. This wine has an inordinate amount of charm complemented by hints of dark chocolate and sweet Christmas spices. A wine made with great care, focus and intent. Really something quite special. Drink now and over the next 8 to 10+ years. (Only 741 bottles produced.) - Greg Sherwood MW.
