Pinot Noir, Ridge, Hemel en Aarde, 2024
Darker cassis notes with a mid-weight balance and crispness to the tannin, stylistically less apart from the other wines this year, Ridge again benefitting from a finer and longer tannin structure. A gorgeous Pinot. The highest site in the range at 330m in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, Ridge Pinot benefits from a cool south easterly wind. Its easterly exposition means a longer hang time and a tighter, mineral feel. Aged for a year in 25% new French oak. New agglomerate cork closure from 2024.
critic reviews
The 2024 Pinot Noir Ridge comes from a higher-elevation, cooler and more exposed site on shale soils and includes 15% whole bunch. It has a very perfumed bouquet with dark berry fruit, Earl Grey and light crushed stone scents. Wonderful delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with, again, dark berry fruit and greater grip and structure than the Ignis or Vrede, quite saline on the finish. Excellent.