The Drift Estate
There Are Still Mysteries 750ml
There Are Still Mysteries 750ml
A message from the winemaker....
This block is going to get whacked by the South-Easter, he stated matter-of-factly. I was half sliding, half walking down the steep gravel slope. We were staking out what would eventually become the small vineyard that made this wine.
Ja, I know, Dad, I replied over my shoulder, trying to sound confident; trying to sound as though the university education Id enjoyed was money well spent.
These Pinot vines now gaze out to the south-west, where the sun sets into the sea. This mesmeric view is difficult to turn away from.
Our Drift Estate wines are all unmistakably mountain-born. The crunchiness of elegant red fruit tells you the grapes ripened at altitude. The concentration of aroma and flavour are the result of the wind. And with this Pinot, the crisp, tenacious finish is a cool-climate, mountain signature.
Does this vineyard need to be this cold? he asked. Its always cold up here.
Yes, Dad. Its Pinot. I am trying to sound like the guy whos made the stuff before and really knows what hes on about. Pinot can handle the wind. I pause, trying to line up the next row of stakes that will one day be trellis poles. And anyway, it doesnt really gust here, Dad.
I notice him pause, and straighten up and look down at me for a moment from the edge of the ridge. It was an early spring evening. A few tenacious Jackal Buzzards were still cruising overhead, hoping the late sun would catch scurrying prey in the Renosterbos around us.
He didnt need to say anything. We were at altitude, about 45kms from the cold ocean to the south, and on a wind-torn, uncomfortably-steep slope. Crucially, we were sinking our hard-earned money into an unproven vineyard area.
When I did my soil tests decades ago, I unearthed this little spur of soil - unlike any Id ever seen in South Africa. Ancient, decomposed Table Mountain sandstone, mixed with weathered shale and red clay and interspersed with metamorphosed limestone. It looked perfect to grow powerful, yet elegant Pinot Noir. And so it has proved.
Tasting Note
On the nose the wine is mesmerizingly complex - with notes of plum, cardamom, thyme, rhubarb, red cherry & cinnamon. Every time one takes a sniff a new nuance reveals itself. The palate is elegant and soft, but alive and fresh with lingering creamy tannin. Flavours of strawberry, chocolate, dried garden herbs, ripe nectarine, warm spices & a touch of vanilla.
Food Pairing
Go Sophisticated a Pinot with so many layers of flavour you find something different in every sip. Loves nuanced, layered flavours and mildly spiced food. Everything from oven-roasted game birds, like pheasant, to beef carpaccio, vitello tonnato and creamy prawn curry with cashews.
Share
Collapsible content
Vintage
2019
Appelation
Cape South Coast
Grape
Red Blend
Alcohol Content
12.5
Vegan
Organic
Country
South Africa
What a find! Absolutely delicious pinot noir, well balanced and smooth - gorgeous berry flavours coming through on both the nose and palate!
One of the best Pinot Noirs I’ve ever had. Well worth spoiling yourself.
What a find! Absolutely delicious pinot noir, well balanced and smooth - gorgeous berry flavours coming through on both the nose and palate!
O my word. My nose nearly solved the misery but then my palate got lost in a wonderful lift and well balanced Pinot Noir. Wow. Fantastic.
"So great to be able to receive a regular delivery of good wine rather than the usual 12 bottle case sold by most 'wine clubs' "
- Terry Wharton Hood -
Great wine at a great time, everytime
Subscribe to our emails
Be the first to know about new collections and exclusive offers.