Peter-Allan Finlayson's single-vineyard Cuvée Cinéma is one of the most sought-after pinots in South Africa, and the 2023 is a triumph. With a nose of cherry, redcurrant skin and woodsmoke the palate is taut and mineral with finely woven tannins real purity on the finish. Delicious now but will age well.

The wine is a barrel selection from a high density planted vineyard of disease-free Burgundy Pinot clones that was vinified with 60% whole clusters. The wine was matured in small oak barrels for 11 months, with 25% of them being new oak.

Cuvée Cinéma. The location the vineyard was planted was used for filming scenes from a film about the life of Napoleon. 

Tasting Notes: A wine that is once again all about balance, tension and focus. Wild strawberries and sour cherries lead the nose alongside the signature Indian spices, while liquorice and white truffle add a touch more earthiness to the palate. The tannins have a fresh, pomegranate-skin texture while a fresh line of acidity augurs well for ageing.

Grapes from Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. 65% whole-bunch fermented, matured for 11 months in barrel, 25% new. Red and black cherry, spice, earth and a touch of flinty reduction. The  palate shows great structure and balance – good depth of fruit, bright acidity and tannins that are firm and densely packed. Layered, long and savoury, this seems particularly age-worthy. Alc: 14.08%.CE’s rating: 96/100.

ANALYSIS: ALC 14.08% | TA 5.1g/L | pH 3.70 | RS 2.1g/L