Paul Cluver Seven Flags Pinot Noir 2013

Not too pretty.

I note that back in 2013 I rated the 2010 vintage of the Seven Flags Pinot Noir from Elgin producer Paul Cluver 95 points on the 100-point quality scale (see here) and in so doing, set the bar super-high for subsequent vintages.

Was I too enthusiastic? I recall what I liked about the 2010 was that it had depth of flavour (great Pinot should be both full and soft) and I encounter that again with the current-release 2013 (price: R400 a bottle).

It shows red fruit, musk, a hint of earth and attractive oak on the nose. On the palate, generous fruit, bright acidity and fine tannins, the finish gently savoury. A substantial wine without being obvious.

So what to score it? I don’t think it’s fundamentally inferior to the 2010 but then advances in local Pinot Noir are being made extremely quickly…

Score: 92/100.