| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | South Africa |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
The 2022 Pinot Noir Ignis includes 15% whole bunch and underwent a seven-day cold maceration. Naturally fermented, it then matured in French oak barrels (33% new). This has a more expressive bouquet than the Vrede, quite floral in style, with dried rose petals complementing that red berry fruit and a hint of balsamic emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins and good balance. Classical and quite Burgundian in style, the stems impart a subtle pepperiness on the linear finish. Classy. Drink 2025-2035.
As its name suggests, Ignis uses grapes from a 2.4-hectare, north-facing site on warmer decomposed granite soils. Pale, ethereal and very delicate for a 2022 red, it combines the Burgundian 113 and 115 clones to brilliant effect. Focused, energetic and tangy, with savoury tannins, pomegranate and wild strawberry flavours, nuanced and a real sense of energy, vibrancy and purpose. Incredibly long.
The Ignis Pinot Noir is very pale in the glass again this year, and has an airy, sweet and perfumed nose of red fruit. There is something Volnay-like about this wine, it is seamless on both palate and nose, with an immediacy that belies the intensity of fruit on show. A sumptuous, seductive Pinot that is light on its feet and as much if not more about its aromatics as its taste, there is just a lick of spice on the finish that ties everything together. Moreish. 447 cases produced.
