Nom comes from the remarkable Kaaimansgat vineyard in the Elandskloof Valley, sitting at 700 metres above sea level and surrounded by mountains.
It is the kind of extreme site Jessica is drawn to. High, cool and isolated, with a combination of shale, sandstone and clay that she believes gives Nom its breadth and power. The vineyard was planted in 2008 and has become the source of one of her most distinctive expressions of Pinot Noir.
2025 was a beautiful vintage here, with enough rain to keep the dryland vineyard going and cold nights helping to preserve freshness. Jessica describes it as a lighter Nom, similar to the 2016 and 2020 vintages, delivering “power without the weight.”
Bright cherry and darker fruit meet rose hip, dried orange rind and smoky spice, with fine tannins and a long, savoury finish. Just 12 barrels were made.
“W.O. Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Matured for 10 months in 228-litre barrels, partially new. Elevated aromatics of red cherry, orange peel, musk, fresh herbs and white pepper. The palate is opulent, with pure, bouncy fruit, snappy acidity and powdery tannins, finishing gently savoury. 94/100 | Delicious” – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za
