2006 De Grendel Op Die Berg Pinot Noir 85 - 87
This is an amazing debut for the first Pinot Noir of origin Durbanville wards, made by what I considered one of the most intimidating but down to earth winemaker, Charles Hopkins.
Charles has a sense of humour second to none in the wine industry, and I would go as far as qualifying him as the sweet giant..............................
Medium clear with bright Morello cherry ruby red, good clarity. Medium concentration, no evidence of gas or sediment, medium viscosity.
Clean nose, unmistakably Pinot, high intensity, fragrant primary fruit of ripe cherries, freshly picked strawberries on a hot summer day, spicy with touch cinnamon / camphor and wet earth beetroot earthiness complimented by new small French oak cask and cedary character.
Has some Gevrey Chambertin aromatic complexity, which lends a very interesting profile.
Dry, confirmed fruit on the nose, fresh, very good attack, ripe, with sour cherries, raspberries, confirming wood initially perceived, very well integrated, medium tannin and medium plus acidity, velvety texture with depth and long finish and high complexity, holding it’s 14.5 alc / vol, very well, balanced and structured, this is a Cape Pinot Noir that should be in any wine lover cellar, or on a good and respected wine list.
Excellent food wine. Definitely a Pinot to follow.
For now or on a special occasion, great on Valentines day enjoy until 2014, if cellared under optimum condition.
Excellent value and a bargain at R120 from the Cellar Door
Tomato Catering suggest
Such a great full bodied Pinot Noir requires a Cantonese inspired “top heat” grilled pork rashers deliberately made salty basted in a fresh crushed garlic and ginger with fermented black beans and “Lee Kum Kee” clear soya sauce and baby leek.
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