An ethereal, cool‑climate South African red wine, meticulously crafted by winemaker Chris Albrecht(wine maker at Bouchard Finlayson)_ Sourced from the distinguished Hemel‑en‑Aarde Ridge, this release embodies the purity and finesse of its celebrated terroir. The vineyard shares its rarefied location with illustrious neighbours such as Crystallum’s Peter Max, underscoring its pedigree and prestige. 

The 2024 vintage is made from equal portions of Pinot Noir clones 115 and 667. After meticulous sorting, 20% whole clusters were included in the 12-day fermentation, adding aromatic lift and savoury structure. Only the free-run juice was selected for maturation, spending eight months in French oak, with 15% of the barrels being new oak.

Tasting Notes: Highly aromatic and perfumed, the nose leaps from the glass with vivid red cherry, wild flowers, indigenous fynbos, red tea, charcuterie, and earthy forest floor nuances. The palate is savoury and layered, defined by tart red cherry and herbes de Provence, while the finish is structured and elegant, carried by fine, dissolvable tannins and a clean, chalky persistence that underscores its cool‑climate pedigree.

Food Pairing: With its high acidity, fine dissolvable tannins, and savoury herbal character (fynbos and herbes de Provence), this cool‑climate Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with earthy dishes and lean proteins. Mushroom risotto and truffle pasta echo its forest floor and charcuterie notes, while braised duck tagliatelle, roast quail, and pork tenderloin with berry reduction highlight its vibrant red‑fruit profile. Grilled tuna or salmon showcase its light astringency. Charcuterie boards of prosciutto and bresaola, alongside soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert, round out the wine’s crisp tension and chalky finish.

Production: 1,800 bottles | Bottled: 22 January 2025

ANALYSIS: ALC 13.03% | TA 5.6 g/L | pH 3.43 | RS 1.8 g/L