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 Vintage2015 Label 1 of 4 
TypeRed
ProducerSpioenkop (web)
VarietyPinot Noir
DesignationElgin
Vineyardn/a
CountrySouth Africa
RegionWestern Cape
SubRegionn/a
Appellationn/a

Drinking Windows and Values
Drinking window: Drink between 2019 and 2022 (based on 2 user opinions)

Community Tasting History

Community Tasting Notes (average 87 pts. and median of 87 pts. in 2 notes) - hiding notes with no text

 Tasted by Pey2001 on 3/22/2021: Very much disagree with Jancis on this one! Perhaps it is the magic of a few years of bottle age, but I liked this, and felt it had a lot of interesting pinot character. Slightly murky garnet in the glass. On the nose there is a prickly red fruitiness, whiff of wine-gums, and some wet sous bois. On the palate, ripe black cherry and muddled raspberries are followed by a bright acidity, with a mushroomy smokiness lingering on the finish. Very light, dusty tannins build slowly over time. On the lighter side of medium, acid driven, quite refreshing and clean, but not austere. That smokey aftertaste is super interesting, and was most apparent after opening, fading a little with time. Would make this excellent for a BBQ or braai. I think this wine shows lots of interesting pinot character, which has clearly developed with time in the bottle. It reminds me of a GG Spatburgunder, which I like, eg. Knipser, although not quite as balanced and complex as their wines. If it's not the taut linearity of Burgundy or the plush exuberance of California, it's something else and itself. If you have this wine in your cellar, I'd say give it a go. It could probably develop over a few more years as well, but I wouldn't push it too long. Certainly JR's drinking dates are short selling this wine and should not be adhered to. (327 views)

Professional 'Channels'
By Tamlyn Currin
JancisRobinson.com (7/9/2021)
(Spioenkop Pinot Noir Elgin Red) Subscribe to see review text.
By Jancis Robinson, MW
JancisRobinson.com (8/12/2016)
(Spioenkop Pinot Noir Elgin Red) Subscribe to see review text.
NOTE: Scores and reviews are the property of JancisRobinson.com. (manage subscription channels)

CellarTracker Wiki Articles (login to edit | view all articles)

Spioenkop

Producer website

Pinot Noir

Varietal character (Appellation America) | Varietal article (Wikipedia)
Pinot Noir is the Noble red grape of Burgundy, capable of ripening in a cooler climate, which Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot will not reliably do. It is unpredictable and difficult both to grow and to vinify, but results in some of the finest reds in the world. It is believed to have been selected from wild vines two thousand years ago. It is also used in the production of champagne. In fact, more Pinot Noir goes into Champagne than is used in all of the Cote d'Or! It is also grown in Alsace, Jura, Germany, the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Romania, Switzerland, Austria, Croatia, Serbia, Italy, and so forth, with varying degrees of success.


Pinot Noir is one of the world's most prestigious grapes. It is very difficult to grow and thrives well in France, especially in Champagne and Burgundy. Pinot Noir thrives less in hot areas, is picky on soil, and deserves some oak storage.

Pinot Noir, or Blauburgunder / Spätburgunder in German, is a blue grapevine - and, as the German name suggests, the grape comes originally from Burgundy in France.

The grape, which thrives in calcareous soils, is used primarily for the production of red wine, and it is widely regarded as producing some of the best wines in the world. The wine style is often medium-bodied with high fruit acidity and soft tannins. It can be quite peculiar in fragrance and taste, and not least in structure - which may be why it is referred to as "The Grapes Ballerina".
Pinot Noir is also an important ingredient in sparkling wines, not least in champagne since it is fruity, has good acidity and contains relatively little tannins.
The grape is considered quite demanding to grow. The class itself consists of tightly packed grapes, which makes it more sensitive to rot and other diseases.

Pinot Noir changes quite easily and is genetically unstable. It buds and matures early which results in it often being well ripened. Climate is important for this type of grape. It likes best in cool climates - in warm climates the wines can be relaxed and slightly pickled.
In cooler climates, the wine can get a hint of cabbage and wet leaves, while in slightly warmer regions we often find notes of red berries (cherries, strawberries, raspberries, currants), roses and slightly green notes when the wine is young. With age, more complex aromas of forest floor, fungi and meat emerge.

In Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Hungary, it often produces light wines with less character. However, it has produced very good results in California, Oregon and New Zealand.

With its soft tannins and delicate aroma, it is excellent for white fish, chicken and light meat. For the stored wines you can serve small game. Classic duck breast is a matter of course, a Boeuf Burgundy and Pinot Noir are pure happiness.

Pinot Noir loses quality by over-harvesting.
Pinot Noir is prone to diseases, especially rot and mildew. Viruses cause major problems especially in Burgundy.
Pinot Noir are large round grapes with thin skins. Relatively high in alcohol content. Medium rich tannins and good with acid.
As a young person, Pinot Noir has a distinctly fruity character such as raspberries, cherries and strawberries.
A mature Pinot Noir, the taste is different. Cherry goes into plum and prune flavors. It smells of rotten leaves, coffee, moist forest floor and animal wine. This must be experienced.
In warm climates you find boiled plum, some rustic, little acid.
If the grapes are over-grown, the wine will be thin, with little color and flavor.

South Africa

Wines of South Africa

 
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