Pinot Noir Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge 2021

TESSELAARSDAL WINES

Pinot Noir Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge
2021

  • Sustainable
Country
South Africa
Regulated designation
Wine of origin (WO)
Region
Western Cape
Subregion
Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge
Varietal(s)
Pinot Noir 100 %
Colour
Red
Producer's website
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About this winery

Tesselaarsdal, owned and operated by Berene Sauls is named after the small village where she grew up. Tesselaarsdal is situated 24 km North East of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Hermanus in the Overberg region. The village has a unique history, East India Company settler Johannes Tesselaar, left his land to his freed slaves to farm upon his death in 1810. After working at Hamilton Russell vineyards in various roles for 15 years, Anthony Hamilton Russell offered to assist Berene in starting her own...

See the TESSELAARSDAL WINES detail page for more information on this brand

Product notes

The 2021 growing season had a fair amount of rain falling before the grapes started to ripen. This did not have a negative effect as the natural irrigation helped to reduce stress levels on the vines, allowing them to function optimally during the ripening period. The accumulation of cold units in the early winter was fantastic for breaking dormancy. Winter rainfall was lower than in the previous season but still sufficient to replenish soil profiles. The vineyards had even budburst and the initial growth was also even, mainly due to higher than normal maximum and minimum temperatures during September. Grape quality was very favourable, leading to an exceptional vintage.

Tasting notes

The 2021 Pinot Noir classically displays the pristine fruit from the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Revealing notes of red cherries, cranberries and raspberries combined with hints of nutmeg and clove spices. Elegant and age-worthy wine.

Press reviews

Winemag.co.za

- 96 points -

Christian Eedes,, August 2022 (Vintage 2021)

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.

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Winemag.co.za

- 95 points -

Christian Eedes, January 2023 (Vintage 2022)

The recently released 2022 vintage is again from Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge vineyards farmed by La Vierge with maturation lasting nine and a half months in 228-litre barrels of which 33% were new. The nose shows top notes of musk and violets before red and black cherry, earth, pomegranate and spice while the palate has great fruit definition, bright acidity and fine tannins, the finish remarkably dry. With good depth of flavour but also plenty of verve, this is dead sexy.

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Vinous

- 93 points -

August 2023 (Vintage 2022)

The 2022 Pinot Noir includes 10% whole bunches, some fruit stomped by foot Berenice Sauls herself, spontaneously fermented, and aged in French oak for almost ten months. It has a very precise bouquet with fragrant dark cherry and sous-bois aromas, very Côte de Beaune in style. The medium-bodied palate has fine tannins, is very harmonious, and has lovely sapidity with a tensile finish. Maybe Berene Saul's best Pinot so far - chapeau!

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Tim Atkin MW

- 93 points -

Tim Atkin MW, September 2023 (Vintage 2022)

First made in 2015, Berene Sauls' Pinot Noir has developed a reputation for consistently high quality. One of several top reds that employs grapes from La Vierge on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, it includes 10% whole bunches, adding a spicy top note to a palate of raspberry, plum and pomegranate and savoury tannins.

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Tim Atkin MW

- 93 points -

Tim Atkin MW, September 2021 (Vintage 2020)

Elegant, refined and subtle, with a hint of good reduction, supple raspberry and wild strawberry fruit, some clove spice and texture from 10% whole bunches, fine, scented oak and filigree tannins. Graceful and well balanced.

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Vinous

- 91 points -

Neal Martin, September 2022 (Vintage 2021)

The 2021 Pinot Noir comes from unirrigated vines from La Vierge estate cropped at six tons/ha. It has a bright and vivid bouquet with red cherries and crushed strawberry, light sous-bois scents percolating through. The palate is medium-bodied with fine delineation, red cherries, bergamot and rooibos, quite tender and persistent on the finish. Lovely.

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