Paul Cluver Pinot Noir 2009

Andries believes that the essence of a great Pinot noir is the purity of fruit and the structure of the wine. The colour is deeper than previous vintages - beautiful garnet. The nose is a combination of pepper and red berry, wild mushroom, wild berry compote with a slight meatiness. The palate is a continuation of all found on the nose with the addition of a salty, aniseed character. As usual, well structured and poised - toned - with a tantalizing mineral core.

The natural acidity makes it a perfect partner with a diversity of dishes. Game fish, game birds and venison work very well, as does grilled beef and strong, hard cheese.

variety : Pinot Noir [ 100% Pinot Noir ]
winemaker : Andries Burger
wine of origin : Elgin
analysis : alc : 13.3 % vol  rs : 2.4 g/l  pH : 3.6  ta : 5.4 g/l  
type : Red  style : Dry  body : Medium  taste : Mineral   wooded
pack : Bottle  closure : Cork  

AWARDS
Recent accolades and recognition

John Platter
2011 – 4 stars Decanter 2009 Silver medal
Wine Spectator April 2009 87 points(April 2009) Wine Magazine, South Africa. Both Cluver Pinot noirs in Top 5 of South africa. June 2011 

Neil Pendock
"Could Elgin be the best SA terroir for the heartbreak grape?" April 2009.

Miguel Chan
"Paul Cluver Estate Elgin Pinot Noir shows very good colour retention across all vintage, along with one of the best pinot structure as well as longevity, found in the Cape." June 2009.

ageing : Of course this wine can savoured now, but you will miss out on the complexity it will gain in being cellared for five to seven years.

in the vineyard : Currently there are 18.5 hectares planted to Pinot noir on the estate, which equates to 22.8% of the total plantings. Clones include 667, 113, 115, 116 and BK5. The first vines were planted in 1989 and the youngest blocks in 2004. Vines range in age from 5 to 23 years. The soil is predominantly decomposed Bokkeveld Shale with underlying clay layers of varying depths. Vine orientation is North/South on North east and South facing slopes and North west/South east on the South facing slopes. Height above sea level ranges from 280 to 400 meters.

about the harvest: Harvest 2009 is regarded by many critics as the harvest of the noughties in South Africa. Weather conditions were such that an abundant, healthy crop was achieved. Harvesting started 16 February and continued until 3 March. The yield varied from 5 to 7.5 tons per hectare, on average a ton more per hectare than ever before. The grapes came in at 21° - 22.8° Brix.

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