2022 Boekenhoutskloof Cap Maritime Pinot Noir

The 2022 Boekenhoutskloof Cap Maritime Pinot Noir captures the essence of South Africa’s cool-climate coastal terroir in a refined, Burgundian-inspired style. Crafted from carefully selected vineyards in the famed Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, this Pinot balances purity of fruit with an elegant, saline freshness. As part of Boekenhoutskloof’s focused Cap Maritime project, it showcases just how world-class South African Pinot Noir has become.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2022 Cap Maritime Pinot Noir shows a bright, translucent ruby hue with a slight garnet edge, signalling both youth and finesse. The nose is vibrant and detailed, offering red cherry, wild strawberry and cranberry, layered with rose petals, dried herbs, and a subtle maritime breeze of sea spray and crushed shells. Gentle undertones of spice – think white pepper, clove and a hint of cinnamon – mingle with polished oak and a touch of forest floor. On the palate, this is medium-bodied, silky and precise, with finely etched acidity that gives the wine lift and energy. Juicy red fruits are framed by savoury notes of earth, tea leaf and subtle umami, while the tannins are ultra-fine and powdery, providing structure without heaviness. The finish is long, pure and slightly saline, inviting another sip. Enjoyable now for its aromatic freshness and poise, it will reward 5–8 years of careful cellaring as the fruit mellows and the more complex, tertiary nuances of truffle and sous-bois begin to emerge.

Production
The Cap Maritime Pinot Noir is sourced from select vineyards in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, one of South Africa’s most prized cool-climate regions, where ocean breezes from Walker Bay moderate temperatures and extend the growing season. The soils here are predominantly decomposed granite and clay, promoting deep root penetration, natural concentration and a distinct mineral signature. Grapes are harvested by hand at optimal ripeness to preserve freshness and varietal character. In the cellar, a portion of whole-bunch fermentation is often used to enhance aromatic lift and structural complexity, with gentle extraction via punch-downs rather than aggressive pumping. The wine is then matured in French oak barrels (largely used and lightly toasted) to frame the fruit without overwhelming it, before careful blending and bottling to maintain finesse and purity.

Food & Serving
This Pinot Noir is an excellent partner for elegant, subtly flavoured dishes. Think herb-crusted lamb rack, duck breast with cherry or berry reduction, roast chicken with wild mushrooms, or seared salmon and tuna. It also works beautifully with charcuterie, earthy mushroom risottos and semi-soft cheeses such as Brie, Camembert or Tomme-style cheeses. Serve at 14–16°C (57–61°F) to highlight its aromatic lift and fine structure. A light decant of 30–45 minutes is recommended in its youth to open the bouquet and soften the tannins, particularly if served with more savoury, umami-rich cuisine.

Producer
Boekenhoutskloof, founded in 1776 and revitalised in the 1990s, has become one of the most respected names in South African wine, based in the Franschhoek Valley. Widely acclaimed for its Syrah, Cabernet and the iconic Chocolate Block blend, the estate has been instrumental in elevating South Africa’s reputation for premium, terroir-driven wines. The Cap Maritime range represents Boekenhoutskloof’s focused exploration of the cool, maritime-influenced vineyards of Hemel-en-Aarde and Walker Bay, regions ideally suited to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. With a philosophy rooted in meticulous vineyard selection, low-intervention winemaking and a relentless pursuit of quality, Boekenhoutskloof has garnered numerous local and international accolades, affirming its status as a benchmark producer in the Cape winelands.

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