Elemental Bob Retro Series Pinot Noir 2017
I’m usually neither here nor there about Pinot Noir. I could take it or leave it.
It’s lovely…but I don’t really get the same giddy feelings that the rest of the wine world raves about when they think of Pinot. Except for when Elemental Bob makes Pinot Noir. I’ve tried a few over the past 2 years…and he’s single handedly made me reconsider my feelings about the grape in SA.
The Wine:
A gorgeous medium ruby with a garnet rim. It looks (and feels) unfined. The nose is shy…but I like that I had to work a little harder to find the wet leaves, mushrooms, cherries, spices (cinnamon, mace, anise), cidery yeast and faint potpourri. Fret not, all of these wonderful aromas are reflected in the palate:
Dry, medium bodied, high acidity with moderate chewy tannins. And then you unlock a carnival of red cherries, cranberries, prunes, wet leaves, mushroom biltong, saltiness, bitterness like gnawing at a stalk of fynbos, and rose petals.
It reminds me of a berry reduction that’s merged with the steak juices…sweet and salty and umami. Apologies to the vegetarians! A pretty solid, longish finish that leaves your palate freshened and eager to take another sip of this flavour rollercoaster. I resisted for a moment…and discovered the pomegranate, strawberry compote with a crack of black pepper, and sultanas that linger in your mouth.
And if you’re able to refrain for just a moment between top ups, the empty glass will leave you with these satisfying spicy stewed fruits.
Vini + Viti:
Pinot Noir grapes sourced from the Overberg. Wild Fermentation. Minimal intervention winemaking.
Conclusion:
Balance (1) + Length (1) + Intensity (1) + Complexity (1) = A very good wine
Drink now, but potential for further ageing.
Final Thoughts:
Yoh, this is so lekker. Translation for those who need it: Oh my sainted aunt, this is so delicious! Okay fine, it’s nowhere near a direct translation. Don’t listen to me. I’m drunk on the memory of this Pinot.
Tasted on a Leaf Day according to the Biodynamic Calendar for the Southern Hemisphere.
Find the Wine:
https://www.elementalbob.co.za
Click here to read about the Elemental Bob My Cosmic Hands 2015, Elemental Bob My Cosmic Hand Pinot Noir 2015, Elemental Bob The Graveyard Tinta Barocca 2017, and Elemental Bob - The Rupert Chenin Blanc - 2017.