Earlier this year we reported on the Pinot Noir harvest saying that the smiles on the harvest and cellar teams’ faces certainly tell a story! Rains at the right time set the scene, with the prevailing south-easterly wind adding another blessing to the scenario. This wind (known as the ‘Cape Doctor’) is characteristic of Creation and served to dry the vineyards after the rain, preventing disease and keeping the vines and grapes healthy.
Creation viticulturist and cellarmaster Jean-Claude (JC) Martin regards Pinot Noir as the ultimate test in winemaking. Having qualified as a viticulturist and winemaker in Switzerland, JC honed his skills on Pinot Noir and upon moving to South Africa bridged the gap between Old and New World winemaking to establish his own inimitable style. Commenting on the 2017 vintage he said: “Due to a well thought-through pruning schedule and optimum weather conditions during the 2017 harvest, our vineyards could be picked block by block with the grapes showing optimum concentration, high natural acidity and perfect phenolic ripeness. The crop size was perfect thanks to meticulous vineyard management during the growth period as well as ideal weather conditions such as wind factors during the flowering season.”
By the end of February all the Pinot Noir had reached the cellar and the enthusiastic cellar team reported on some exciting experimentation with wild ferments. The first two batches had already been pressed and showed hauntingly beautiful and vivacious bouquets. And now these early promises have been realised with the exquisite 2017 Creation Pinot Noir proudly taking centre stage.
The wine is deep ruby in colour, gleaming and inviting in the glass. Intense and fragrant, the bouquet combines a beautiful bevy of red berries with elegant whiffs of vanilla and wood spice. These follow through on the medium-bodied palate where soft, supple tannins contribute to the structure.
According to Creation pairing guru Carolyn Martin the 2017 Creation Pinot Noir is an excellent companion to seared tuna but the wine is delightfully versatile, offering a wide and adventurous food pairing repertoire. When visiting Creation don’t miss out on the sensational Kiss and Tell Wine and Food Pairing. It celebrates the estate’s flagship cultivars, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with taste combinations made in heaven! An example is the Creation Pinot Noir paired with Strawberry and Raspberry Soup, Tarragon and Za’atar Biscuit and a mix of Beetroot Shoots.
Click here to order the 2017 Creation Pinot Noir online.
