2020, Kershaw Wines ‚G.P.S. Series Pinot Noir, Walker Bay

An elegant and stylish Pinot Noir with captivating floral aromas, pure fruit flavours of black cherry, pomegranate, rose petal, and raspberry, framed by a supple, succulent texture.

About the Winery: Founded in 2012 by Richard Kershaw MW, one of the few Masters of Wine who actively produces wine, Kershaw Wines is renowned for precision, balance, and terroir focus. Born in Sheffield, Kershaw began as a chef before transitioning into winemaking. After settling in South Africa in 1999 and becoming Group Winemaker at Mulderbosch and Kanu, he founded his own label dedicated to cool-climate wines from Elgin and surrounding appellations. His meticulous approach and scientific understanding of clones, soils, and microclimates make his wines among South Africaof most acclaimed.

Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir ‚ from two small parcels in the lee of the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge in Walker Bay, a cool-climate area famed for Pinot Noir. Bordered by the Babylonstoren and Kleinrivier Mountains, the valley traps cloud cover and moisture, while the nearby Antarctic Benguela current brings cool ocean breezes. These conditions provide long hang time and natural acidity. French PN777 and PN115 clones are grown on Bokkeveld Shale soils that offer excellent drainage and deep root development. Vines are trellised with open canopies to maximise sunlight exposure and airflow, promoting balanced ripening and complex flavour development.

Appearance: Bright ruby-red with a translucent rim, reflecting delicacy and finesse.

Aroma: Captivating floral and red-fruited bouquet of rose petals, raspberries, black cherries, and pomegranate, underpinned by subtle spice and minerality.

Palate: Fresh and refined with purity and focus. Silky tannins frame bright red fruit flavours alongside gentle savoury and floral nuances. The destemmed grapes were fermented in small open-top tanks after three days of cold maceration, followed by spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts. Skin contact lasted 10‚12 days before racking by gravity into French oak for malolactic conversion and maturation. The wine aged 10‚11 months in French oak (16.3% new), split between 64.6% 228-litre barriques and 35.4% 500-litre casks.

Body: Medium-bodied with supple, polished texture and graceful persistence.

Acidity: Fresh and lively, bringing balance and precision to the palate.

Cellaring Potential: Enjoy now or cellar for up to 7‚8 years for subtle savoury and earthy complexity.

Perfect Pairing: Ideal with duck confit, wild mushroom risotto, or grilled salmon with herb butter.

Serving Temperature: Serve at 15‚17°C to enhance aromatic complexity and texture.

Contains sulphites. Information provided to the best of our knowledge at time of publication and subject to change by vintage.