Gotfried Mocke’s reputation as a great winemaker was established by creating benchmark Franschhoek Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Once he joined the visionary Marc Kent of Boekenhoutskloof in 2015, they embarked on a journey to create exceptional expressions of these varieties together. A vineyard was established, a brand launched, and Cap Maritime was born.
Like Porseleinberg, the project stands apart and its identity is now clearly formed. Hemel-en-Aarde was identified as their prime location, and, as expected from this team, the wines are superb. The 2024 Chardonnay is reminiscent of Gotfried’s finest efforts – elegant, judiciously oaked, welcoming, and built to mature in the cellar.
The Cap Maritime Pinot Noir 2024 left us in awe. A wine of subtlety, the focus is on structure, purity and depth rather than on overt fruit, with sensational tannins that create a long, persistent finish.
Some geeky notes on these releases:
For the first time, both wines are produced predominantly from their own vineyards. The Cap Maritime Chardonnay is largely the CY95 clone, 50% barrel fermented in new 228-litre French oak and the rest in foudres. Cold cellar temperatures are crucial for a slow malolactic fermentation, which contributes to the impressive finish.
The Pinot Noir is mostly from clones PN115 and PN116, which offer more structure and tannic drive. Open-top fermenters are used with punch-downs (mostly destemmed and a touch of whole bunch for verve) to further enhance the wine’s structure.
The 2024 vintage is particularly exciting as it signals the culmination of a vision. These releases will bring immense pleasure to every Chardonnay and Pinot Noir lover.
Tasting Notes:
‘This wine is creamy yet lively and bright, with a lemon pie nose. There is citric freshness and beautiful oak, leading to a layered, textured, gentle finish. The wine shows attractive oak spice and ripe peaches on a juicy, fleshy palate and real density of fruit. The finish is long, mineral and showcases the poise so typical of great Upper-Hemel-en-Aarde Chardonnay. 2024 is classy, balanced and delicious.’ – James Pietersen, August 2026
‘A subtle dark and black-fruited nose leads to notes of spice, plummy fruit and a fynbos edge. There’s great purity and depth and a palate that’s juicy and pristine, with an undercarriage of saline, fine tea-leaf tannin. As the wine evolves, freshly brewed tea, ground nutmeg and clove add even more depth. The energy, vibrancy, subtle perfume and purity of the wine are exceptional. Savoury complexity with stunning tannins rarely seen in SA Pinot Noir!’ – James Pietersen, August 2026
