Creation on the cool-climate Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge near Hermanus was established in 2002 by husband and wife team, Jean-Claude (JC) and Carolyn Martin.
Having overcome many an obstacle, these latter-day wine pioneers now proudly uphold the Old and New World wine traditions of their respective grandparents. JC’s grandparents, Jules and Ida Martin, painstakingly established the family winery on the steep banks of Lake Bienne in Switzerland way back in 1935. Carolyn’s wine pedigree dates back to 1947 when her South African grandparents, Maurice and Eleanor Finlayson, purchased the farm Hartenberg on the slopes of Bottelary Hills in the Stellenbosch region.
While proud of their wine roots, the Martins of Creation are also dedicated to constant innovation. “In our little piece of paradise every dawn brings an exciting new challenge and innovation is a way of life,” says an enthusiastic Carolyn. This trendsetting spirit has shaped their vision and led to many an accolade as reflected in their ever-growing list of awards. Among the latest achievements are two gold medals won by the Creation Reserve Pinot Noir 2012 and 2013 respectively at the 2014 Mondial des Pinots in Sierre, Switzerland. A coveted Platter five star rating confirms the outstanding quality of the 2013 Creation Reserve Pinot Noir. This superbly balanced wine shows magnificent flavours of dried fruit, raspberry and spice and is a prime example of cellarmaster JC’s Pinot panache. It was furthermore allocated a whopping 90 points by the influential US wine critic, Robert Parker.
According to the Swiss-trained JC, who honed his skills on Pinot Noir, the 2013 Reserve vintage is one of his best ever, only to be rivalled by the Creation The Art of Pinot Noir 2013, a limited release wine boasting an impressive Robert Parker score of 92. Complex and utterly enchanting, this wine rewards with opulent layers of cherry and plum mingling with earthy flavours of mushroom and an elegant sprinkling of spice.
“Our recently released The Art of Creation range features a single-vineyard Pinot Noir and a single-vineyard Chardonnay, with every wine the ultimate expression of its terroir,” explains JC. And speaking of Chardonnay … The Art of Chardonnay 2013 was allocated 93 points by Robert Parker, positioning it among the world’s most outstanding wines. This elegant wine is described as “exquisitely balanced … with rich vanilla pod and peach kernel contrasted by vivacious pear and bracing minerality.” Truly irresistible, as is the gorgeous 2013 Creation Chardonnay which Robert Parker deems worthy of a terrific 91 points.
Renowned for their excellent balance, elegance, distinction and finesse and due to the refreshing natural acidity that cleanses the palate, all the wines in the Creation portfolio are exceptionally food-friendly and versatile. Perfect for gracing your festive table! To order online, simply go to shop.creationwines.com and have your wines delivered to your doorstep. Or even better: visit this picturesque estate over the Festive Season, partake in their award-winning Wine and Food Pairing and stock up at their cellar door. To book, call (028) 212 1107 or contact [email protected]
