Cap Maritime Pinot Noir 2021
The Cap Maritime Pinot Noir vineyards are situated in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley appellation and planted on distinctive soils comprising of Table Mountain sandstone and decomposed granite. The grapes were picked and sorted into small boxes and transported in refrigerated trucks to the Boekenhoutskloof winery in Franschhoek. At the winery, a careful triage (selection process) took place, to ensure that only healthy whole berries were transferred into concrete fermentation tanks. After spontaneous fermentation, 60% of the juice was transferred to Stockinger 2,500L Fourdre, and 40% to new French Oak barriques for elevage of up to 15 months, including a prolonged malolactic fermentation under low temperatures. The resultant wine displays fresh fruit flavours, concentration and energetic acidity. The nose is intense and inviting with aromas of wild strawberry, coffee, black cherry and whiffs of iris, violets, potting soil and dried leaves. The perfume of the nose follows through onto a rich, elegant, brooding palate exuding black fruit, with flavours of blueberry, ripe plums, blood orange, fresh cherries and hints of cloves, tobacco leaf and cola creating exceptional complexity. The mid-palate is round, smooth and balanced with svelte tannins and refreshing, yet integrated acidity. The wine ends with notes of allspice and cinnamon, liquorice, cedar and potpourri lingering on a vibrant finish.
