FOR THE December 2023 issue of Decanter Magazine in the UK, a panel comprising Masters of Wine Anne Krebiehl (chair), Justin Knock and Dirceu Vianna Junior assessed 134 Pinot Noirs from Australia (44), New Zealand (63) and South Africa (27) – all priced at £30+ per bottle in the UK or the equivalent in their domestic markets. Of these, 12 were rated ‘outstanding' (95 points), including four South Africans, all made with grapes from the Hemel-en-Aarde outside Hermanus.
In summing up the panel's findings, Vianna Junior said the tasting “served to confirm that consumers willing to pay a premium will find great Pinot Noir in all corners of the world. The overall standard was exceptionally high,” he said. “Great news for consumers who enjoy the charm of wines from Burgundy but find pricing out of reach.” For the full report, click here.
SOUTH AFRICAN STANDOUTS
Art of Creation Pinot Noir 2022
R940pb ex-cellar, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge
Cap Maritime Pinot Noir 2021
R445pb from Boekenhoutskloof cellar in Franschhoek; grapes from Upper Hemel-en-Aarde
Crystallum Cuvée Cinéma Pinot Noir 2022
R667pb approximate retail price; Gabrielskloof cellar, Bot River; grapes from Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge
La Vierge Apogée Pinot Noir 2020
R305pb ex-cellar, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge
