Boekenhoutskloof Cap Maritime Pinot Noir 2023

Boekenhoutskloof, founded in 1993 by Marc Kent, built Cap Maritime as a cool-climate Pinot Noir project on the Western Cape South Coast under chief winemaker Gottfried Mocke. The fruit comes from the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, a high, ocean-facing site where cold Atlantic air off the nearby coast moderates the heat and stretches out the growing season. That long, cool ripening keeps the natural acidity high and the alcohol in check, giving a wine of finesse rather than weight. It is aged for 15 months in French oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange rounds the tannins and adds a fine layer of smoke and spice without masking the fruit. The wine is medium ruby with aromas of red cherry, raspberry and plum over forest floor, dried herbs and a touch of oak. The palate is elegant and savoury, with bright acidity, silky tannins and an earthy, mineral finish. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees, in a wide glass. It suits duck, game birds and mushroom dishes.