About an hour's drive from Cape Town, we find Paul Cluver's wine estate. It's a pioneer in Elgin, where the reputation of its wines has grown over the past 15 years. Originally an apple-growing farm, this changed in 1986 with the planting of its first vineyard. It's a true family business, which benefits the wines. This is precisely why the wines are so successful and why the company has such a high reputation. Each family member contributes their own personality and respect for nature. This has made the estate what it is today, resulting in beautiful red and white wines.
The soil consists primarily of shale with some clayey layers beneath. The vines vary in age, from 2 to 30 years old. To enhance the varietal character of the wine, slightly younger vines are chosen. The winery is sorted entirely by hand, after which the grapes are destemmed. The whole berries are transferred, without crushing, to the fermentation tanks, followed by a cold maceration. Fermentation begins immediately afterward. After fermentation and pressing, the wine is transferred to old French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and aging. The wine is aged for 10 months in French oak, adding complexity and smoothness to the wine.
With beautiful aromas of red fruit, this Pinot Noir immediately surprises you. Besides the fruity notes, there are also clear hints of spice, cherries, and ripe plums. The palate is soft and delicately acidic. Pleasant tannins and juicy fruit on the palate. The fruity notes, particularly plums, lead to a long finish.
