Catherine Marshall “Sandstone Soils”

ELGIN, SOUTH AFRICA |  2022

Catherine Marshall began her career as a solo winemaker in 2007, after apprenticing at cellars locally as well as internationally, in France, the US, and Australia. She was instrumental in formalizing the “garagiste” movement of South Africa, which included a diverse range of passionate winemakers who have a small wine output but who do not compromise on quality. Her detailed, hands-on, respectful approach in the vineyards and in the wine production process are evident in the unique character of her wines.

These Pinot noir grapes were selected from the ultracool Elgin Valley, between Somerset West and Hermanus. The valley is located at an altitude of about 700 meters above sea level and surrounded by a ring of mountains, which results in a high annual precipitation and low average temperatures. Grapes were selected from five cool sites. Soil types for this label include Table Mountain sandstone with silica quartz and tukulu (a combination of sand and gravel). The wine was aged for nine months in French oak barriques. 

Beautiful high toned aromas of wild cherry, blood orange and mineral. Light, fresh, with pure red fruits on the palate, there is a lot of complexity behind this easy-to-drink Pinot Noir. 

Catherine Marshall has done it again! This is one to stock up on, and revisit over the next handful of years.