Pinot Noir, Ignis, Hemel en Aarde, 2018

Where Vrede is approximately 50% clay and 50% shale based, the Ignis site is planted on primarily decomposed granite with just 25% clay at 225m elevation in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Similarly north facing but a bit more exposed to the wind, Ignis sees less disease pressure in general compared to the other two sites and thus has been farmed organically since 2015. However, the size of the plot and prolonged dry conditions means that in 2018 a mere 3,600bts have been produced from a total of 1HA. While paler in colour, Ignis has tighter, crisper tannins compared to Vrede, with a higher toned wild strawberry and cherry stone personality. Juicier acidity and zippy fruit, according to Hannes it has a more immediate fragrant character that is appealing from the outset. Aged in 25% new French barrique for 11 months and released after 15 months in bottle.