The Smuggler’s Boot Pinot Noir

Learn More About This Wine

100% Pinot Noir made from the French clones PN777 and PN115. In 2014, the Smuggler’s Boot wines were first released. The name derives from the time of trade embargoes in South-Africa when growers and winemakers smuggled grapevine material into the country by hiding the cuttings in Wellington boots. The Smuggler’s Boot range celebrates that ingenuity. 

Handpicked grapes were first bunch sorted on a conveyor before the stems were removed and the destemmed berries sorted to remove jacks and substandard berries. After a 3-day maceration in open-topped fermenters, the uncrushed grapes began a spontaneous fermentation. The grapes remained on skins for 10-12 days, the free-run wine was racked to a combination of 50% used French oak barrels and 50% breathable plastic eggs with the remaining pomace basket-pressed. Malolactic then proceeded followed by a light sulphuring after which the wines were racked off the malolactic lees and returned to cleaned barrels for an 11-month maturation period. No fining was necessary and the wine was simply racked and lightly filtered prior to bottling. 

Pale crimson, the nose entices with floral aromas of crushed rose petals, fynbos and hints of pomegranate that gently reveal undertones of Bing cherry and warmed Victoria plums imbued with subtle oak spice and a touch of curry leaf. The light to medium-bodied palate reveals bright red fruits and toasty accents with a touch of earthiness. The presence of a sweeter fruit core adds richness whilst a clean, vibrant acidity and fine fruit-wrapped tannins give balance and structural frame, ensuring the well-rounded mid-palate stays focussed, resulting in lingering length. 

Richard’s personal suggestions for dishes include charcuterie, its salt and fat completed by delicate spicy notes and fruit, and pork loin with honey, pepper, and lemon-zest glaze.