Paul Cluver Seven Flags Pinot Noir 2014

Wine of Origin: Elgin

Cellarmaster and Winemaker: Andries Burger

Background: Paul Cluver Wine Estate can be traced back to 1896, and although their first bottling of wine was in 1997, they were the first to set up a wine cellar in the sought after Elgin Valley. As a result, The Cluver family have been instrumental to the success and recognition of the Elgin Ward as a wine region producing exceptional quality wines. The region is abundant with water and benefits from cool onshore winds. Grape varieties grown on the farm,   have been planted (with the assistance of using scientific methods) in the most suitable terroir sites on the farm.

The Elgin region is respected for producing excellent Pinot Noirs due to its cool climate and suitable soils. At Paul Cluver they specialise in this red grape variety and have for many vintages been producing award winning Pinot’s. The estate produces four versions of this variety with the flagship being the Seven Flags which was launched several years ago with the 2006 vintage. Produced from one of the older Pinot Noir vineyards where the clone 113 was planted in 1990. At harvest time the berries are carefully and individually hand sorted prior to crushing making sure that only the best grapes were used. Cold maceration followed for six days where after fermentation in two 3.5 ton wooden vats was allowed to start naturally before later inoculating with a specific Burgundy yeast. Once the fermentation was complete the wine was transferred to smaller barrels (20% new wood) where malolactic fermentation took place. The wine was then left on the lees for a further 11 months prior to barrel sorting and final bottling.

Result: This elegant and balanced wine is full of silky rich red cherry and spicy plum fruit flavour which lingers on the palate well into the long savoury finish.

When to drink: now till 2022

Drink with what: Wonderful with Cape salmon with ginger couscous crust. Try also with game fish or even venison.

Expect to pay: R539.00