BREW CRU
Black Label Pinot Noir, Single Vineyard
Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, South Africa

BOLD WINE STYLE

Hemel-en-Aarde, a region known for producing world class cool climate wines, is synonymous with outstanding South African Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.   Influenced by a maritime climate it enjoys cool daytime temperatures that are even lower overnight, particularly during the growing season resulting in this medium bodied wine with classic elegance that exhibits both grace and power. 

This elegant wine shows prominent aromas of black cherries and raspberries with undertones of violets. It has a finely textured palate with silky tannins, strawberry and plum making way for slight savory notes by a fresh and vibrant finish.

“In my 21 years of making wine, this is without a doubt the wine that best expresses typical Pinot Noir and the precision I’m after when it comes to fruity purity, fine tannins, overall balance and grace.  A non-forgiving and challenging grape to work with, but when the stars align it all comes together in the form of our maiden ‘Black Label’ release.” –  Bertus Fourie, Winemaker

Winemaking: Grapes were handpicked and only individually selected bunches were harvest at maximum flavor intensity. After both bunch and berry sorting on arrival at the winery, the grapes underwent a four-day pre-fermentation cold soak allowing for maximum fruit and color extraction. Four micro fermentations using a combination of whole bunch and whole berries fermentations were done to give depth and a full palate of aromas.  Alcoholic fermentation lasted approximately eight days after which it was pressed, settled, and transferred to barrel for malolactic fermentation. The wine was not racked from barrel only once over the 12-month maturation period, as preserving the freshness and fruit was key for the styles the team was looking to produce.

Appellation: Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, South Africa
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Analysis: 14.3% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.49
TA: 5.51 g/l
Residual Sugar: 2.7 g/l
Aging: k
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed & approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine.

Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate
Vinography Cabernet Franc
Estate Grown
Walker Bay, South Africa

BOLD WINE STYLE

Vineyards: Walker Bay is making great inroad with Bordeaux varieties.  Nudged by the Bot River lagoon with vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, the vineyards enjoy cool daytime temperatures that drop even more at night.  A beneficial diurnal range aids in even ripening and complexity, ushering the development of delicate fruit notes, fine tannin structure and a bright acidity.  Cabernet Franc enjoys the nuances of the climate, resulting in small, concentrated berries. 

Character: At the outset, this Cabernet Franc appears to be reserved. Decanting is advised to enjoy the full flavor spectrum. Varietal characteristics like black cherry, salted licorice, cinnamon, dark chocolate and hints of potpourri is framed with cooler notes of Greek Oregano, graphite and cedar.  An earthiness prevails as bold fruit envelopes your whole mouth.  Mad with focus, clarity and the intention to age.

Winemaker Johann Fourie

Personality: This wine is the quintessential balancing act of fruit, tannin and acidity with absolute persistence. Commanding yet sophisticated, this Cabernet Franc fulfills the aim of producing a cool-climate wine that was picked at the proper ripeness level and still portrays that old world benchmarks finesse and elegance.

In the Cellar: Grapes were handpicked at optimal ripeness, followed by bunch and berry sorting. A four day cold soak allowed for maximum flavor and extraction and another seven days post fermentation maceration added even more depth of color.  The juice was inoculated, followed by gentle punch downs twice a day. After alcoholic fermentation, it was pressed, settled and transferred to barrel for malolactic fermentation where it was kept until prior to bottling.

Pairing: Braised lamb shoulder, beef bourguignon, or Puttanesca pasta.

Appellation: Walker Bay, South Africa
Varietal: Cabernet Franc
Analysis: 14.34% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.49
TA: 5.83 g/l
Residual Sugar: 2.77 g/l
Maturation: 22 months in 40% new French oak barrels
Critical Acclaim: Reviewed & approved by Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine.

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