Paul Clüver new releases

The Clüver family has been custodians of the 2,200ha De Rust farm in Elgin since 1896, the focus mainly on apples until what was then Stellenbosch Farmers Winery planted vineyards in 1986. The maiden release of a wine under the Paul Clüver label was a Riesling from the 1990 vintage, while its own cellar was built in 1996, with Andries Burger being responsible for the first estate vintage, a position he has maintained to this day.

Seven Flags is the name given to the two top-end wines, a Pinot Noir first made in 2006 with a Chardonnay following in 2014. Collin du Matin, meanwhile, is a new ultra-premium bottling, a collaboration between Paul Clüver Family Wines and Martin Prieur of Domaine Jacques Prieur in Burgundy. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Seven Flags Chardonnay 2023
Price: R1,100
Grapes from two oldest blocks of Chardonnay planted in 1987 featuring clones 175 and 270. Spontaneously fermented and matured for 10 months in French oak, 10% new. No MLF. Some floral perfume before pear, peach, lemon and orange plus a hint of vanilla on the nose. The palate has great focus and drive – dense fruit matched by bright acidity before a dry finish. A wine of controlled power that also offers plenty of detail. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Clüver Prieur Collin du Matin Chardonnay 2019
Price: R1,200
Spontaneously fermented and matured for 12 months in French oak, 25% new. Lemon, brioche, vanilla and oak spice on the nose while the palate is super-rich with a creamy texture and well-integrated, tangy acidity. A big, forceful take on the variety.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Seven Flags Pinot Noir 2021
Price: R1,100
The Seven Flags vineyards primarily feature clone 115, with some 667 and 777. Matured for 12 months in oak, 20% new. Red berries, a touch of orange, herbs, earth and spice on the nose while the palate is somewhat angular and austere at this point – lean with fresh acidity and a very dry finish. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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