Solitary | Morning Bell Pinot Noir 2021

Notes on viticulture and winemaking:

By micro managing a small distinct section of the vineyard and intensive berry sampling and tastings, I pick at very specific ripening levels and flavour profiles. After cooling the bunches, I crush into open top barrels for wild fermentation to start as slowly as possible, with 1/3 whole bunch, 1/3 whole berry and 1/3 crushed and destemmed. I punch through only once a day and the fermentation is allowed until a reading of about

5 Balling before pressing. I press with a basket press directly into old French oak barrels where fermentation finishes and malolactic fermentation takes place. The wine is kept on the rough lees for 8 to 15 months before racking clean and bottling with as little finings or additives as possible. The style is very minimalistic, very expressive and defines the terroir of Polkadraai Pinot Noir

Look for these flavours:

This wine has a vibrant beautiful light garnet colour and a bouquet that's constantly changing with red berries, flint, graphite and sandalwood that pop out of the glass. Tobacco and clove characters set the undertone with thyme and fynbos notes. On the palate cranberries seem to dominate with granite and mineral tones with herbal characters that match the bouquet. A beautiful acid keeps the palate alive and changing even on your palate.

Cellaring potential:

Lots of ageing potential in this one, with a cellaring potential of up to 15 years. Decant before drinking.

Food suggestions:

This wine works fantastic with a charcuterie board, or a dish with a light creamy sauce and spring vegetables.

Suitable for vegans?

This wine is suitable for vegans.

The chemical fine print

13.4% Alcohol by volume
3.1 g/I Residual sugar
6.2 g/I Total acidity
3.48 pH