The Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge is home to some of the most sought-after grapes in the country. Storm and Crystallum are among the best wines from this ward, and right up there with them is the Saurwein Om Pinot 2024.
Jessica Saurwein’s latest releases are extraordinary. Her 95-point Om 2024 is a wine of measured power, reminiscent of a great Vosne-Romanée. Finely judged and thought-provoking, it has detailed tannins, weightless intensity and precision – all markers of a Pinot that will go the distance.
The Nom Pinot 2024 is loved for its generosity of fruit. Jessica helped plant this special Elandskloof vineyard back in 2008 and the 2024 marks her 10th release! The wine is aromatically intoxicating, with notes of hibiscus tea, crushed rose petals, grapefruit and concentrated cherry.
Characterised by its higher altitude, the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge is the coolest and smallest of the three wards in the valley. 2024 was a tough vintage, with a punishingly wet winter, but the region is producing some of our favourite wines this year. Both the Om and Nom Pinots are produced in small-batch quantities.
Tasting Notes:
‘W.O. Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Matured for 10 months in 228-litre barrels, partially new. Black cherry, some leafiness, earth, spice and a touch of reduction on the nose. Great definition and structure – clean fruit, vibrant acidity and firm tannins, making for a long and nicely austere finish. Finely judged and intellectually engaging rather than immediately seductive. Alc: 14%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100
‘W.O. Elandskloof. Matured for 10 months in 228-litre barrels, partially new. Expressive aromatics of orange, musk, red cherry and white pepper. The palate is opulent – saturated with ripe fruit, just enough acidity and smooth tannins. A wine of presence and generosity. Alcohol: 14%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 92/100
