February 2024 Opt-In | Terroir X Enthusiast
by Caileen BrisonMoya Meaker 2021 Pinot Noir
In the same way that California, New Zealand, and Argentina have shown that Pinot Noir thrives in cool coastal climates, South Africa’s new wave of winemakers show an extremely compelling argument by searchers for the right climates. The Moya Meeker Pinot Noir hails from the small, cradled peak of the Elgin Valley, much higher and cooler than neighboring Stellenbosch. This Pinot Noir leaps out of the glass with New World purity, combined with old world soul. The enticing aroma of black raspberry, hibiscus, and rose paves the way to whiffs of a deeper tone of porcini and flower mulch. On the palate the fruit comes across as voluminous, yet glides at a haunting pace towards a mesquite and vanilla bean-tinged finale into a lasting finish of juicy red plum, bergamot tea, and a spicy umami that call out to the unique shale terroir of South Africa’s ancient soils. This is truly New School precision combined with the evocation of a newly revived past. For food pairings I might suggest beef bourguignon, mushroom stroganoff, or pecorino pasta. Drink now – 2034, serve in large bowl stemware, and drink at cellar temperature.
- Caileen Brison & Connor Clarke, Skurnik Wines
Jolie Laide 2022 Sauvignon Gris
This unique California bottling of Sauvignon Gris from Paicines Ranch feels like a journey into a field of spring wildflowers. The fruit from this bottling comes from granite and limestone soils, is whole cluster pressed, and is aged in stainless steel and neutral oak. Right off the pop the wine is playfully floral and feels almost like Piedmont Arneis! The bouquet of gardenia, kumquat, lily, and passionfruit coalesces into a slippery, saline mouthfeel. On day two the wine maintains everything you’ve grown to love from day one with almost more depth. Overall, the wine is tasting better on day two and has some time for longevity should you forget about it for a couple years. For food pairings I might suggest shrimp scampi, lemon chicken, or a fresh summer salad. Drink now – 2028, serve in all-purpose stemware, and drink at refrigeration temperature.