Oak Valley Tabula Rasa Pinot Noir new releases

Tabula Rasa is the name that Elgin property Oak Valley gives to its small-batch, top-end wines, these being single vineyard and single clone.

Earlier in the year, Tabula Rasa CY548 2021 placed Top 10 in the Prescient Chardonnay Report with a rating of 94 and now a pair of Pinot Noir have been released, one from PN114 and the other from PN115, vinification identical, grapes destemmed and maturation lasting 10 months in barrel, 50% new.

Tabula Rasa PN114 2021
Price: R750
Grapes from a 1.86ha block planted in 2001. Cranberry, red berry, rose, white pepper and a hint of oak spice. The palate has a succulence about it – good depth of fruit, bright acidity and soft, powdery tannins. Precise and harmonious. Alc: 13.25%. Total production: 725 bottles.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Tabula Rasa PN115 2021
Price: R750
Grapes from a 0.51ha block planted in 2008. Raspberry, black cherry, violets, an intriguing herbaceous note and a touch of smoky reduction. Full bodied but equally fresh, the tannins relatively firm, the finish dry. Alc: 13.23%. Total production: 777 bottles.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.