Baleia Erhard Pinot Noir 2014

Going where no man has gone before.

Originally grain and sheep farmers, the Joubert family established vineyards on their farm Dassieklip near the town of Vermaaklikheid on the Cape South Coast in 2009, a cellar in turn erected outside nearby Riversdale, and so Baleia Wines was born.

Pinot Noir is a speciality and the current release 2014 is somewhat rustic but very appealing. A rim which is starting to brown suggests some premature development or at least oxidative handling. On the nose, macerated strawberries, orange peel, a hint of earth and spice. The palate, meanwhile, is rich and full with bright acidity and soft tannins. Perhaps not a classic rendition but certainly characterful. Price: R180 a bottle.

Editor’s rating: 87/100.

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