Currently there are 22.9 hectares planted to Pinot noir on the estate, which equates to 30% of the total plantings. Clones include 667, 777, 113, 115 and PN5. The first vines were planted in 1989 and the youngest blocks in 2015. Vines range in age from 2 to 29 years. The soil is predominantly decomposed Bokkeveld Shale with underlying clay layers of varying depths. Vine orientation is North/South on North east and South facing slopes and North west/South east on the South facing slopes. Height above sea level ranges from 280 to 400 meters.

Only Burgundian clones (667, 113,115 and 777) are used. Extensive individual berry sorting was done by hand prior to crushing. This was followed by cold maceration at 12°- 14° Celsius for 6-8 days. The fermentation was allowed to start naturally and was then some tanks were inoculated with selected strains of Burgundian yeast after 3 – 4 days to ensure a complete fermentation. Where we experienced strong clean wild ferments, it was allowed to continue. During the fermentation, the skin cap was punched through by hand 2 times per day. After fermentation, the wine was transferred to French oak barrels where malolactic fermentation took place. (32% new wood, the rest 2nd, 3rd and 4th fill.) Maturation in oak was for 11 months, on the lees for the full period. After tasting and blending trials, the wine was racked (displaced using Nitrogen gas rather than pumping), assembled and prepared for bottling.

The Paul Cluver estate is a 4th generation family business that has been farming in the Elgin Valley for more than 120 years. They are proud to have pioneered Elgin as a premium wine growing region. With a focus is on producing world class wines that reflect the uniqueness of the valley. They strive to achieve this while being mindful of their actions both on the environment and on the community. Their wines are a benchmark of the region.

The natural acidity makes it a perfect partner with a diversity of dishes. Game fish, game birds and venison work very well, as does grilled beef and strong, hard cheese. Vegan friendly.

This wine has a lovely luminosity, the color is bright crimson. The nose has delicate earthy aromas combined with red and dark berry flavors. On the palate these characteristics follow through combining with interesting savory notes and just a touch of oak on the finish.