Botanica Pinot Noir
2010 87 Points
One of the most striking and subtle wine label I
have seen in a long time, original indeed, with what looks like peach blossom
on a dark black ground, it is cool..!!
It should be mentioned the natural cork closure was of very average quality, dry
and did break whilst I was opening, too dry..... for the normal consumer I bet they
will not buy a second bottle, unless they are 100% agile with a corkscrew!
Bottle purchased (23.02.14) at Wine Concept in
Blu Bird shopping mall, Melrose, I invite anyone to visit as their wine
selections are one of the finest in Johannesburg.
A full bodied and very ripe Pinot Noir with showy
aromatics and amazing concentration of dark red fruits, subtle oaking, however
I suspect the barrels used were not entirely and properly clean as hints of
musty, wet wood are evident, however there is enough fruit concentration to
support for now and over the next 3 years at least.
Best served chilled or let aerate in a decanter
or combination of both depending on preferences, as the alcohol are disjointed
and is noticeable! and aeration may "burn off" some of the unclean barrel element
A Pinot Noir that could have well scored higher,
but the not so clean character forbids higher marks, good savory character with
ample nuance was the hallmarks!
Alcohol: high and noticeable | 14 % abv
Origin: Elgin
Notes: perfumed | black cherries | strawberries | gum eraser | violets
Ideal drinking occasions: winter time
Serve with: Vindaloo style lamb curry and fluffy basmati
rice
Drink: now until 2019
