The Smuggler’s Boot Pinot Noir 2022

Richard Kershaw makes this Pinot Noir in the Elgin Valley, chosen when he set up his winery in 2012 because it is the coolest part of South Africa's Western Cape. Elgin sits at altitude close to the South Coast, where cool ocean air and a wide swing between day and night temperatures slow ripening and hold on to acidity and aromatic detail. The rocky soils suit the variety, restraining vigour and pushing the vines towards concentration rather than bulk. Fermentation is followed by ageing in French oak barrels, a portion of them new, so the oak sits in support rather than out in front and the wine keeps its fruit. The colour is a bright medium ruby. The nose leads with red cherry and wild strawberry, backed by rose petal, a little woodsmoke and forest floor. The palate is medium bodied with fine tannins, fresh acidity and a savoury, peppery finish that reflects the cool site. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees in a large bowled glass. It suits roast duck, guinea fowl and mushroom dishes.