South Africa has some great producers of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and La Brune is certainly one of them. With an aesthetic and sense of detail that’s second to none, Nico Grobler’s 2024 releases are tremendous, showing just how terrific Elgin Pinot and Chardonnay can be.
If Pinot is your preference, then the impressive 96-point La Brune 2024 is a no-brainer. It offers precision and crystalline fruit purity, with fine, detailed tannins. We agree with Christian Eedes, that this is ‘a gorgeous wine – delicate, yes, but by no means ephemeral. It lingers with grace’.
The 2024 Chardonnay is ‘a wine of real gravitas’ notes Eedes. Nico’s love for Chardonnay is clear here. ‘Powerful, and textured’, it is pure indulgence in a glass. The nose shows soft citrus and white florals, it’s multi-layered, deeply satisfying and down-right delicious! Give it a year to fully show off.
This is undoubtedly his finest set to date and with limited production, we suggest you tuck in.
The 2024 Pinot Noir is sourced from a high density, single vineyard on their farm planted to Clone 115 and 113. All clones are vinified separately and placed in specific barrels that Nico feels are the most suited for each clone. It sees 45% whole bunch fermentation and 25% new oak, resulting in remarkable balance and structure.
The 2024 Chardonnay is sourced from a neighbours’ farm, with a focus on clones CY548 and CY95. Also vinified separately, Nico changed the maturation regime from 12 months to 9 months, allowing the purity of fruit to really show off in 2024.
Nico is ecstatic about the 2024 vintage. His passionate and perfectionist heart ensures that every possible measure is taken to achieve excellence.
Tasting Notes:
‘Grapes from own high-density plantings, 60% clone 115 and 40% 113. 45% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured for nine months in 228-litre barrels, 25% new. The nose is wonderfully intricate with notes of red berries, rose, fresh herb and traces of earth and spice but nothing too dark or brooding. The palate is crystalline – excellent fruit purity, racy acidity and extremely fine, powdery tannins. A gorgeous wine – delicate, yes, but by no means ephemeral. It lingers with grace. Alc: 13.8%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 96/100
‘Grapes from Lothian, 60% CY548 and 40% CY95. Matured for nine months in 228-litre barrels, 25% new. Classic aromatics of lemon, a touch of flinty reduction, oatmeal and little oak spice. The palate possesses both depth and breadth – powerful and textured without tipping into opulence, the finish bone dry. A wine of real gravitas, still somewhat unresolved, the oak requiring a little more time to fully integrate. Alc: 13.3%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 94/100
