The Wanderlust project allows Craig Wessels to flex his creative muscles – the wine changes every year.
The2020 Project: Pinot Noir
Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge
This wine is a blend of two vineyards within neighbouring appellations known for their cool growing season – ideal for the cultivation of Pinot Noir.
Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley: ancient, decomposed granite soils, north facing, mid-slopes with heavy clay at a depth of 50cm
Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge: shallow shale soils on clay, east facing, mid-slopes.
Harvest took place in early February. The grapes were hand-picked and placed whole cluster into open top vats and gently trodden to break the berries and release the juice. After a few days, natural fermentation began and the grapes were lightly punched-down every day. Once fermentation had completed, the wine was pressed using a hand operated basket press. Aged in barrels (10% new) for one year.
Christian Eedes: “The nose shows red currant, cherry, musk, tea leaf and a hint of mushroom. The palate is light-bodied with good fruit definition, fresh acidity and fine tannins. Lovely presence and very flavourful given an alcohol of just 12.8%.”
