Husband and wife team, Julien and Sophie Schaal are wine-makers  in Alsace and do a vintage in SA each year. This vintage lives up to its “Platter’s Pinot Noir of the Year” award.

Wine of Origin Walker Bay. The fruit for this wine was harvested from two single vineyards. One sits inland, West of the Babylon Mountains, at an altitude of 144m ASL, and the other sits up at 240m ASL in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge Wine Ward. Both vineyards are planted with the Burgundy clones 113 and 115. The fruit is fermented using only native yeasts, with 10 – 20% of the clusters undergoing whole-bunch fermentation. The wine is matured in oak for 11 months, with 25% of the being new oak.

Tasting Notes: On the nose, delicate aromas of red berries, such as raspberry and strawberry, mingle with subtle floral notes of violet and rose petal. Aromas of earthy forest floor and hints of dried herbs add complexity to the bouquet. The palate is greeted by bright and juicy red fruit flavors, including cherry and cranberry, with a refreshing acidity that dances across the tongue. Velvety-smooth tannins provide a soft and supple mouthfeel, contributing to the wine's elegant structure.

Food Pairing: The delicate flavors and tender texture of roast duck pair harmoniously with the fruitiness and acidity of Pinot Noir. The earthy flavors of wild mushrooms in risotto are enhanced by the earthy and savory notes in Pinot Noir. The rich, earthy flavors of truffled pasta are beautifully complemented by the complex flavors and silky texture of Pinot Noir. 

Grapes from Walker Bay. Matured for 10 months in barrel, 20% new. Musk, violets, dark cherry, orange and a hint of spice on the nose. The palate is luscious – rich and smooth textured with sweet fruit and moderate acidity (alc: 13.53%). A crowd-pleaser. CE’s rating: 90/100.