Highlights: Craven Pinot Gris 2020 Stellenbosch, South Africa
There’s not much Pinot Gris in Stellenbosch. It’s perhaps planted in three vineyards, and the one this comes from is a small one opposite Mulderbosch, near to Boschkloof, facing east, with koffieclip soils. The vines were planted in 2005, and the Cravens have made it the way you might make a red, with fermentation on skins and about 10% whole bunch.
Craven Pinot Gris 2020 Stellenbosch, South Africa
11.5% alcohol. It’s a copper-tinged pale red with lovely floral aromatics with a bit of savoury, stony character. The palate has orange peel, red cherry, and some fine sappy notes, as well as a core of citrus and ripe apple. This is such a detailed, expressive wine and it’s completely different to pretty much every other expression of Pinot Gris I’ve had. Think of it as a light red with a slight savoury twist. It’s really textural and satisfying. 93/100
