Creation new releases

During a visit to Creation on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, lively debate breaks out between founders JC and Carolyn Martin and their son Glenn over the prospects of Trousseau (aka Bastardo). Glenn is bullish; his parents, cautious—less about growing it, more about selling it.

Established in 2002, Creation has built a strong reputation on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and it’s the upcoming 2024 releases that are under review—though JC couldn’t resist pouring the new Grenache.

Ridge Chardonnay 2024
Price: R410
50% inoculated with a neutral yeast, 50% spontaneous fermentation, maturation lasting 11 months in 228-litre barrels, 30% new. Floral perfume, lemon, a slight herbal note and a hint of reduction on the nose. The palate shows both focus and poise – pure fruit and bright acidity before a pithy finish. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Art of Chardonnay 2024
Price: R990
Winemaking as above. The nose shows blossom, pear, peach, citrus and a brush of vanilla. A wine with a big, rich palate without tipping over into excess – concentrated fruit, brisk acidity and a savoury finish. Same vinification as above. Blossom, pear, peach, citrus and a brush of vanilla. Big, rich palate without excess – concentrated fruit, brisk acidity, savoury finish. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Glenn’s Chardonnay 2024
Price: R990
Winemaking as above. Grapes from a small pocket within the Art block. 100% spontaneous fermentation. Expressive aromatics including citrus, some leesy character, vanilla and spice. The palate tends towards opulent in the best way – dense fruit, creamy texture, big acidity, the finish long and dry. Layers of flavour. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Ridge Pinot Noir 2024
Price: R470
From a west-facing block planted in 2009. 30% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for 11 months in 228-litre barrels, 30% new. Cranberry, red cherry, rose, herbs and a touch of vanilla on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with fresh acidity and crunchy tannins, the finish clean and dry. Some may find it on the lean side, but this appears a conscious stylistic choice rather than a shortcoming.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Art of Pinot Noir 2024
Price: R990
From a south-east facing block planted in 2003. 50% whole-bunch fermentation. Maturation as above. Musk, red and black berries, earth and spice on the nose. The palate is rich and round, luscious even, with well-integrated acidity and firm but not coarse tannins. Not imprecise.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Emma’s Pinot Noir 2024
Price: R990
Grapes from vineyard flat to west-facing planted in 2007 and adjacent to the site that supplies Crystallum’s Cuvée Cinema. 30% whole-bunch fermentation. Maturation as above. Beautiful aromatics of red fruit, rose geranium, rosemary, incense and white pepper. The palate is seamless with good fruit weight, snappy acidity and powdery tannins, the finish deeply savoury. A compelling rendition of the variety.

CE’s rating: 97/100.

Ridge Grenache 2024
Price: R470
NEW. 50% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured in a combination of concrete tanks and 500-litre barrels. Dark fruit, lavender, herbs and spice on the nose while the palate is succulent yet structured – good fruit density, bright acidity and nicely grippy tannins. Not as effete as some local examples. Alc: 14.5%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

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