Tesselaarsdal Pinot Noir 2021

Tesselaarsdal is the brand belonging to Hamilton Russell Vineyards employee Berene Sauls, grapes for now acquired from Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge vineyards farmed by La Vierge, and the wine made by Emul Ross of HRV.

The 2021, tasted blind in a flight of five wines from the Ridge ward at a recent event hosted by Hemel-en-Aarde Wines to celebrated this year’s International Pinot Noir Day, was a revelation. Matured for nine and a half months in 228-litre barrels of which 34% were new, the nose shows red and black berries, rose, musk and white pepper and other spice while the palate is well balanced and detailed – it’s not exactly plush but the density of fruit is impressive and the layers of flavour keep drawing you back to the glass. Price: R625 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

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