The Vineyard
Origin: Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge
Soil Type: Planted to Shale of the Bokkeveld Series
Aspect: North West
Trellising System: Vertical Shoot Positioning (Perold)
Age of Vines: 8 – 10 years
Vines per hectare: 5,400 – 6,750
Climate
Our Pinot Noir vines are sourced from the cool embrace of the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, just 10km from the Atlantic Ocean. This temperate, maritime climate is shaped by southerly sea breezes that drift through the valley in summer, carrying mist and cloud that soften the sun and steady the ripening. With an average temperature of 19°C and annual rainfall of around 750mm, the result is slow, balanced growth — ideal for Pinot with purity, tension, and quiet seduction.
The Harvest
Grapes were hand-harvested in three passes during the cool, quiet hours of early morning — capturing delicacy, freshness, and a hint of intrigue in every batch.
Average Yield: 5 -7 tons/ha
Production: 2185 cases of 6 x 750ml bottles
Winemaking
After a night of cold storage, the grapes were carefully sorted, destemmed, and gently crushed into red ferment tanks. A cool maceration of three days followed, allowing flavour and colour to develop slowly before fermentation began with a Burgundian yeast strain. Once dry, the wine was lightly pressed and transferred to French oak barrels — 25% new — for nine months of graceful ageing. Final blending took place one month before bottling, followed by a quiet evolution in bottle before release.
Tasting Notes
The Affair is a poised, seductive Pinot Noir, where elegance meets quiet intensity. Soft floral notes, a touch of spice, and silken texture reveal Pinot’s feminine charm, while fine tannins, subtle oak, and brooding forest floor tones hint at its darker, more structured side. Serve slightly chilled to reveal her delicate nature. A perfect match for tapas, cheese, and long, lingering moments with good company.
