Vriesenhof Pinot Noir 2011

Wine of Origin:  Stellenbosch

Winery Location:  Paradyskloof

Winemaker: Nicky Claasens

Background: Not only a legend in the rugby fraternity, but also in the wine industry is Jan Boland-Coetzee, owner and cellarmaster of Vriesenhof Vineyards. His interest in Pinot Noir started 35 years ago and since then he has been experimenting with different clones and planting on different sites, all of which has resulted in the elegant and sought after Pinor Noirs he produces today.

A recent tasting of older vintages both from his Vriesenhof range and the one produced for the Cape Wine Guild showed how well they mature.

Jan’s philosophy of producing good Pinot Noir often starts with having ideal  soils as well as the right plant material and wood support (Jan prefers using second-fill barrels). The elegant 2011 is a blend of 60 percent clone 777 and 40 percent clone 115, and prior to bottling was matured for 12 months in 225-litre second-fill Burgundy barrels and a further six months in 4000-litre barrels.

Result: The 2011 is a beautifully balanced wine with silky rich black cherry and plum  flavour which lingers on the palate well into the long savoury finish.

When to drink: now until 2020

Drink with what: We enjoyed the wine with a delicious selection of game braaied by Jan himself along with poached Norwegian Salmon served cold with salads.

Expect to pay: R265.00

To order this wine, email Wine Concepts