Brew Cru Black Label Pinot Noir 2019

Brew Cru is a collaboration between winemaker at large Bertus Fourie, Johann Fourie of Benguela Cove, and importer Jesse Balsimo and their focus is Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Top of the range is Black Label Pinot Noir 2019. Grapes from a Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge single vineyard, vinification involved a combination of whole-bunch and whole-berry fermentations before maturation lasting 12 months in French oak, 30% new.

Local Pinot can be light and delicate to a fault but that is not the case here. The nose shows macerated black cherry, dried herbs, earth and spice while the palate is full-bodied (alcohol is 14.3%) –  plenty of juicy fruit upfront but the tannins are firm, the finish savoury. A big, broad example of the variety. Price: R365 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

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