Die Kat se Snor Pinot Noir 2015

Lands on its feet.

Gerhard Smith, who’s day job is at Creation Wines  in the Upper Hemel en Aarde, also makes a Pinot Noir under his own label called Die Kat se Snor, this being the second vintage. Grapes come from a site 2km beyond the appellation border on the way to Shaw’s Pass between Hermanus and Caledon and winemaking involved 20% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 10 months in older French oak.

The nose shows a musky top note before cherry, cranberry and wild strawberry plus a little pepper and spice while the palate is marked by succulent fruit, fresh acidity and fine tannins – perhaps a little denser than the maiden 2014 (see here). With an alcohol of 14%, it’s none too slight and the more appealing for it. Approximate retail price is R285 a bottle.

Editor’s rating: 91/100.

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