Land of Hope Reserve Pinot Noir 2019

Land of Hope is a Radford Dale initiative, the proceeds from sales of wines under this label going to an education trust for the benefit of previously disadvantaged employees. Tasting notes and ratings for two new releases as follows:

Land of Hope Reserve Pinot Noir 2019
Price: R320

Grapes from Hemel en Aarde Ridge, 60% clone 115 and 40% clone 777. Spontaneous whole-berry fermentation before maturation lasting eight months in older oak. The nose shows red and black cherry, pronounced musk, a hint of mushroom, some flinty reduction, and spice while the palate has good depth and breadth despite a modest alcohol of 12.5%, bright acidity, and soft, smooth tannins, the finish bone-dry. It’s a classy, understated take on the variety. Total production: 2 292 bottles.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Land of Hope Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Price: R240

Grapes from the Helderberg, Stellenbosch. Matured for 16 months in predominantly older oak. Red currant, rose, dried herbs, cherry tobacco, and a hint of vanilla on the nose. The palate is light-bodied with nice clarity of fruit, slightly sour acidity, and fine tannins, the finish long and dry. The alcohol is 12.5% and stylistically this is another of the small but apparently growing number of stripped-down Cabs… Total production: 2 568 bottles.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

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