Botanica, Mary Delany Collection Pinot Noir, Western Cape

Very characterful Pinot with lovely frut and good acidity. Drinking well now but with at least a couple of years left in it, probably longer

Popped and poured. Cherry lifesaver aroma. Rich flavors of loamy cherry fruit with herbal notes. Pleasantly mild bitterness in the finish. Firm backbone, nuanced, good depth. An unspoofed pinot noir at an excellent price.

Textbook pinot color. Bright, clear cherry at the center with a hint of garnet at the rim. In the nose, it's both subtle and intense if that's possible. Juicy sweet red pinot fruit aromas of cherry and raspberry, fresh flowers, some baking spice, and a wisp of smoke. A touch of licorice as well. Squeaky clean, no hint of earthiness or Brett or volatility etc. It's very up-front and expressive and forthcoming, it just doesn't shout. Maybe a bit simple …