Creation Wines, Walker Bay, Art of Pinot Noir

Complex, velvety and utterly enchanting, with opulent layers of cherry and plum mingling with earthy flavours of mushroom and an elegant sprinkling of spice.

Producer Note

It was in 2002, that Swiss-born winemaker Jean-Claude Martin and his South African wife, Carolyn discovered their little piece of paradise on the cool-climate, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge of South Africa’s acclaimed Walker Bay. Here, in one of the most biodiverse regions on earth, virus-free vines climb the steep foothills of Babylonstoren Mountain, flourishing in ancient quartzite and clay-rich soils, cooled by breezes from the nearby Atlantic Ocean. Nature is the very inspiration and innovation that is Creation. Their winemaking philosophy of 'expressing the beauty of nature' embraces sustainability to produce a distinctive portfolio of terroir-reflective and site-specific fine wines, notably from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. As WWF Champions and Carbon Heroes, it is their intention to secure their natural heritage for future generations. Their deep-rooted sense of social responsibility has seen talented young people from surrounding communities become highly skilled team members. Their wines receive world-wide acclaim, and Creation was named No 1 in Africa and No 4 globally at the 2023 World's Best Vineyards Awards.

Vineyard

The Pinot Noir grapes come from a small pocket, within a single vineyard, which is planted at an altitude around 287 metres above sea level. The vines have an average age of 21 years and are clone 115 on R110 rootstocks. They are orientated in a north south row direction, where the block has a combination of flat areas and pockets of north-and east-facing aspects. The soils consist of clay and loam derived from decomposed ancient 450-million-year-old Bokkeveld shale. The influence of the Atlantic Ocean's Benguela current brings cooling south-easterly breezes to the area, as do clouds hemmed in by the surrounding mountains, trapping cool air and moisture in the narrow Hemel-en-Aarde. The 7-wire Perold trellis training system is used as it is the most suited to the terroir. The farming methods aim to work hand-in-hand with nature, to ensure healthy soils. Organic fertilisers are used, cover crops are planted for weed control, putting back minerals and for better water retention in soil.

Winemaking

Hand-picked during the cool of the morning, 60% of the fruit was vinified as whole bunch which underwent spontaneous fermentation in large foudres. Maturation took place in 33% new, 67% second-fill French oak barrels for 12 months. The barrels were carefully selected, and this wine was made in limited quantities.

Tasting Note

Complex, velvety and utterly enchanting, with opulent layers of cherry and plum mingling with earthy flavours of mushroom and an elegant sprinkling of spice.

Grape

Pinot Noir 100%