The 2018 Pinot Noir showed just as it did a few months ago: vivid raspberry preserve and morello cherries on the nose, the palate lithe and supple, beautifully detailed with mouthwatering salinity on the finish. This will drink well for another 12–15 years.
92 points, Vinous (April 2021)
The 2018 Pinot Noir comes from Walker Bay and Kaaimansgat and includes 30% whole-bunch fruit, aged for 11 months in 25% new oak. The bouquet sports vivid red cherry and raspberry fruit that is exceptionally well defined and beautifully integrated with the oak. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, well-judged acidity and a slightly fleshy texture. There is just the right amount of salinity here, and the finish is kept on a tight leash, allowing the detail and precision to be fully expressed. A slight sour edge on the finish keeps you coming back for another sip. Excellent and reassuringly classy.
92 points, Vinous (November 2019)
Displaying a beautiful pale ruby core, the 2018 Pinot Noir opens with a seductive nose of cherry, cranberry, wild raspberry, underbrush, crushed fall leaves and an elegant floral lift with the essence of orange spice and potpourri. Medium-bodied, the wine offers a delicate yet energetic mid-palate with soft savory flavors of tree bark, black tea and Amari underneath a tart red-berry frame. The Pinot shows poise and finesse with a soft tannic edge, ending with a long, mineral-laced finish. This was made from 30% whole-cluster Pinot Noir and rested in 25% new French oak for 10 months. Just over 500 cases were made. Give this some more time in the bottle before opening.
91+ points, Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate (February 2021)
Walker Bay and Elandskloof are the twin sources of 30% whole bunch-fermented Pinot from Sam O'Keefe. Juicy, floral and charming, it's a graceful, fruit forward style with some clove and tobacco spice and refreshing acidity.
92 points
