Paul Cluver - 'Seven Flags' Pinot Noir, Elgin - 2016 (750ml)

Wine Composition

100% Pinot Noir

Winemakers Comments

Andries believes that the essence of a great Pinot noir is the purity of fruit and balanced acidity which gives structure to the wine. This wine has this essence, substantiated by its natural acidity. This is a very well defined wine with amazing poise, the colour is alluring and luminous. The aroma of this wine has wonderful elegant red and dark fruit expression ending with lovely floral notes. All these flavours follow through on the palate with some savoury notes as well, the palate has amazing length and complexity with great freshness lifting the fruit.

Awards

Tim Atkin | 95 points

Vinous Antonio Galloni | 93 points

Technical Analysis

Alcohol Percentage

13.60%

TA

5.1 g/l

pH

3.58

RS

2.1 g/l

Vineyards/Vintage

Currently there are 18.5 hectares planted to Pinot noir on the estate, which equates to 22.8% of the total plantings. Clones include 667, 777, 113, 115 and BK5. The first vines were planted in 1989 and the youngest blocks in 2004. Vines range in age from 8 to 25 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. Some vineyard blocks are superlative to others and it is these blocks that are earmarked for the Seven Flags Pinot noir each year.

Cellar Techniques

The approach to winemaking follows that of the Paul Cluver Pinot noir initially. Only Burgundian clone 113 is used. Extensive individual berry sorting was done by hand prior to crushing. This was followed by cold maceration at 12°- 14° Celsius for 4-5 days. The fermentation was allowed to start naturally before inoculating with selected Burgundian yeast. During the fermentation, the skin cap was punched through by hand 3-4 times per day or alternatively pumped over. After fermentation, the wine is racked to barrel for malolactic fermentation and remains on the fine lees for 11 months. To confirm the superiority of the vineyard sites, the ear-marked Seven Flags Pinot noir barrels are tasted blind in conjunction with all the other Paul Cluver Pinot noir barrels in the cellar. The best barrels of the site are then selected and blended to form the Seven Flags Pinot noir. Total new wood component equates to 25%.

Winemaker

Name - Andries Burger

Winery

This family-owned, family-run wine business is located in the cool-climate Elgin Valley, approximately 70km south-east of Cape Town. The property has been in ownership of the Cluver Family since 1896. Recognised as pioneers of wine in the area, the focus is on producing elegant wines that are expressive of the terroir.
The wine business forms part of larger holistic farming business called ‘De Rust Estate'. In addition to the vineyards and cellar, there are apple and pear orchards, a Hereford stud and eco-tourism activities, including amphitheatre concerts, on the farm. This 2000+ hectare estate forms part of the UNESCO world heritage site, the Kogelberg Biosphere. Half of the estate has been set aside for conservation into perpetuity.