2018 PINOT NOIR, 'Village', Paul Cluver. Elgin, South Africa

Bin: 418

Alcohol Percentage: 13%

Area: Elgin is a genuinely cool, coastal region, east of Cape Town, between Stellenbosch and Walker Bay. Prior to the introduction of grape growing by the Cluver family it was almost exclusively an apple production region.
The Cluvers have around 80 hectares of vineyard on their estate, around a quarter of it planted to Pinot Noir.
From their website:
"The Elgin Valley’s geography and climate makes it unique. We are nestled in an inland mountain plateau with close proximity to the ocean, encapsulated by the UNESCO Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. Our Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc grow in Bokkeveld Shale soils, whereas the Riesling vines grow in Fericrete soils. The average height of our vines is between 300 and 400 meters above sea-level; the highest lying vineyards being at 500 meters."

Grape Variety: Pinot Noir, part kept in stainless steel and part matured in French oak barrels for a year.

Old Bridge Rating: This is a light, fresh, sweet-fruited style of new world Pinot, with no hint of jamminess.