Pinot Noir Reserve 2020 – Creation Wines.
Creation Wines are no strangers to us, as we have tasted plenty of their wines, have been invited to dinners, and even did an episode of Cellar Talks with them.
Where during this Cellar talks episode (S04E02), Niels and Carolyn tasted the 2018 Reserve Pinot Noir, in this review we are discussing the 2020 Pinot Noir Reserve.
About the Grape
Pinot Noir might be the world’s most popular light-bodied grape variety, one that grows well in large parts of the world. A very versatile grape which is an important variety in classic French wines, such as Burgundian wines and Champagnes. The versatility of the Pinot Noir grape also allows to create ‘Blanc de Noir’ wines.
About the Region
The Hemel-en-Aarde valley (both South African and Dutch for Heaven and Earth valley), is located in the very south of South-Africa. Being close to the south Atlantic Ocean, it gives a cooling effect to this climate which makes it one of the coolest wine regions in South Africa.
As a new region in a ‘new world’ wine country this region is still developing, creating tradition and building legacy. Only from 2006 onwards this region was divided into appellations. Hemel-en-Aarde-Valley and Upper-Hemel-en-Aarde valley were created as a sub-appellation in 2006. In 2009 the Hemel-en-Aarde-Ridge was added as a sub-appellation to this region.
About the Winery
The Creation Winery is located in the newest and smallest part of Hemel-en-Aarde, the Hemel-en-Aarde-Ridge. In 2002 Carolyn and Jean-Claude Martin combined their love for each other and for wine into building the Creation Winery. As they both come from winemaking families, they both already had much experience and knowledge on running a successful winery, resulting in winning multiple awards for their wines and their winery. Make sure to hear all about that by checking out the Cellar Talks episode about Creation Winery (click here for the link).
About the Wine
After all these interesting facts about the grape, the region and the winery, now we get to tasting the wine. The Reserve is the second line at Creation, and one level up from their entry level estate wine.
All the grapes in this bottle are handpicked and come from one single vineyard. Pouring the wine in the glass it shows a nice ruby-red color. Deep, but still transparent as Pinot noir is known by. The deep color comes from the traditional process; maceration before and after fermentation. This adds more color and more tannins to the wine.
When you stick your nose in this glass, it will treat you with a complex variety of earthy, spicy and dried, red fruity aroma’s, that make you want to taste right away. After you experienced the earthy and spice tones, such as cloves, the dried red fruit aroma’s such as strawberry and cherry come peeking through.
Conclusion:
Even though this wine could be kept for another 8-10 years, and therefore is still fairly young, it is already a very elegant wine with soft tannins. A wonderful piece of art in its very own style. We award this wine with a 94/100 DWA Score. Well done Creation!
This wines is imported in the Netherlands by Vinites, and available through associated retailers and restaurants. This review is written by our own Michelle van de Vosse.
Price: € 34,75
Taste date: January 2023
Score: 94/100 DWA Score
Website: Creation Wines