A couple of days ago I blogged on South African Pinot Noir, with a film interviewing some key winegrowers. Well here’s the wine that prompted me to make that film. I tracked down a bottle in London, having already tasted it at the Green Tie party at Cape Wine. It’s superb. Five star quality.

Newton Johnson Family Vineyards Pinot Noir 2011 Upper Hemel en Aarde Valley, South Africa
13.5% alcohol. Reassuringly pale cherry red colour. Superbly elegant with a silky texture and lovely red cherry fruit. There’s also a fine sappiness. The sweet pure fruit is countered by some savoury, spicy notes and tannic grip, but these are quite fine and there’s real balance and harmony here. I love the purity and elegance, and there’s real potential for development. 94/100 (UK agent Bibendum Wine, www.bibendum-wine.com)

Find this wine with wine-searcher.com