Critics Ratings

2005:
‘Experiments with native yeast fermentation and lighter filtration pay off with refined, intense mineral/fruit purity and focus of the ‘05, perfumed and elegant as ever; superbly managed oaking in early harmony. Silky length, deeply satisfying. International acclaim for previous vintages is unsurprising’. - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2007, 4.5*

‘Pure and ripe, this is filled with textbook Pinot notes of crushed cherry, currant, spice and forest floor. Has a silky texture, with a long, minerally finish that shows nice grip. Drink now through 2010.’ – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 91/100 (May 2007)

2006:
'Good earthy burgundian notes on the nose – even some mushrooms, good mushrooms. Violets – very lively and refreshing with real subtlety. Worth tasting by anyone who doubts that New World Pinot can be subtle.' - Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5/20 (Apr 2008)

'Very elegant, with ripe, alluring red and black cherry fruit nicely layered with hints of sweet spice, mineral and mocha. The long, tangy finish lets the minerality play out and pulls you back for more. Shows better length and integration than previous vintages. This wine has good track record, and it's getting even better. Drink now through 2013.' - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 92/100 (May 2008)

2007:
'Bold, aromatic and ripe, but very elegant, with racy acidity providing the ground wire for the rich black cherry, bramble, incense and sweet earth notes, followed by a long, multifaceted finish.' - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 93/100 (Mar 2009)

'The sublime 2007 Pinot Noir demonstrates greater mineralite on the nose compared to the previous vintage. There is wonderful tension and scents of red currant, tomato leaf and sage. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, supple tannins. There is good acidity and harmony with the oak dancing in tune with a natural, crisp red berried fruit and a grainy, refined, tertiary finish that is very Old World. Drink now-2016+' - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 93/100 (Aug 2011)

2008:
'Long a local classic. 2008 concentrated and intense, but a touch leaner, less richly fruited than 2007. Black cherry, herbal aromas, hints of mushroom, forest floor, rhubarb. 10 months oak, 30% new. Like Chardonnay, part native-yeast fermented.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2010, 4*

‘A tangy, racy style, boasting a core of mulled cherry, red currant and incense notes backed by a long, iron-tinged finish. Taut but vigorous, this should stretch out a touch with brief cellaring.’ - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 91/100 (Nov 2010)

2009:
'2009 edition of local classic brighter, seemingly riper than 2008 (4 stars), with fragrant cherry, strawberry notes. Silken, supple and succulent; delicate smokiness (45% new oak) evident on finish.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2011, 4.5*

'The delectable 2009 Pinot Noir has a lifted bouquet of bright red cherries, red currant and a hint of dried blood. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins and a lovely caressing texture in the mouth, fine tension and poise with crisp red-berried fruits on the shimmering finish. Drink 2012-2017+' - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 93/100 (Aug 2011)

'Lovely black tea, signed apple wood and toasty wood spice notes lead the way, followed by racy black cherry, red currant and blackberry fruit, with a long, mineral-driven finish. This has range and depth, yet stays silky and very elegant.’ - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 92/100 (Apr 2012)

Provenance

Wine Cellar Private Client