The wines of Paul Cluver Estate, Elgin, South Africa

UK agent: McKinley Vintners (020 7928 7300; info@mckinleyvintners.co.uk)

Paul Cluver is a pioneer in the Elgin region, a cool-climate area at altitude, east of Stellenbosch. They were the first to grow grapes in this area that is traditionally known for its apple orchards. Now there are 12 grape growers in the region. According to managing director, Paul Cluver, the key differences between here and Stellenbosch are the rainfall and the temperature. Elgin is typically a few degrees cooler: when it’s 35 °C in Stellenbosch it might be 28–29 °C in Elgin. Rainfall patterns differ, too. Elgin gets winter rain but is drier in summer, and so irrigation is needed. Cluver’s estate has a reservoir that stores 2 million cubic metres of water. For me the whites were clean and commercial, but it was the red wines that really hit the mark.

Paul Cluver Riesling 2002 Elgin
Very fruity and rich. Modern and bright with a spicy edge to the limey palate. Crisp and modern in a commercial style. Very good

Paul Cluver Sauvignon Blanc 2002 Elgin
Crisp grassy nose is bright and fruity. Modern fruity style with a crisp, grassy palate. Very good+

Paul Cluver Chardonnay 2001 Elgin
Very rich fruit with distinct toasty oak notes on the nose. Quite a rich oak-dominated palate which is savoury with good concentration. Nice but oaky. Very good

Paul Cluver Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 Elgin
Nice appealing savoury nose with ripe, spicy berry fruit. Good concentration of juicy, spicy berry fruit on the palate. Nicely poised in a savoury intense style. Very good/excellent

Paul Cluver Pinot Noir 2001 Elgin
Lovely cherryish nose with savoury, slightly medicinal edge. Herby and rich. Nice juicy savoury palate which is savoury and herby, spicy and with good balance. Very good/excellent

Paul Cluver Riesling Noble Harvest 2001 Elgin
Intense, limey nose is very ripe and full, in a honeyed style. Rich, thick-textured palate shows citrus fruits with a spicy marmaladey edge. Good acidity. Very good/excellent

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