2024 Creation Estate Pinot Noir

They call their place a paradise, and we understand why. Creation's vineyards are situated on a plateau in the picturesque Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in the Walker Bay wine district. Thanks to the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean, the climate here is predominantly cool. The grapes are allowed to ripen slowly, thus retaining their fresh acidity. After fermentation, the wine is aged for ten to twelve months in oak barrels, 25% of which are new. The wine is lightly filtered (to minimize flavor loss) and then bottled. The end result is impressive: a fruity Pinot Noir with supple tannins and subtle notes of oak aging.

In the glass, the Creation Pinot Noir is a light ruby red, just as a Pinot should be. The nose offers intense aromas of raspberry, red berries, and spices. On the palate, this Pinot Noir is fruity and smooth, with aromas of red fruit, supple tannins, and light notes of wood. Best enjoyed slightly chilled.

Harvest year 2017 - 8 (Perswijn)
Harvest year 2017 - 8.5 (DGH)

About Creation Estate

When Jean-Claude (JC) and Carolyn Martin took on the challenge of opening a winery in a remote corner of the Walker Bay Wine Region in 2002, it was quite a thrill. Vines had never been planted there before, but JC and Carolyn—both descendants of renowned wine families—were determined and convinced of the area's potential. Together, they founded Creation Estate in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Five years later, in 2007, they harvested their first wine, and equipped the cellar with the finest equipment from Germany, France, and Switzerland. Since then, they've been working hard. Not only with their quality wines, but also with their tasting room, which has made a name for itself.

Today, Creation Estate boasts 50 hectares of vineyards in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. JC and Carolyn's winemaking philosophy is based on "enhancing the beauty of nature." Their primary focus is on the quality of the grapes, not on the tricks they can perform in the cellar. "Winemaking is a delicate art that requires restraint to capture the nuances of the provenance," says JC Martin. Terroir is important at Creation Estate. This is no surprise, as the combination of elevated vineyards and the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean creates a unique microclimate in Walker Bay. JC Martin also works with wild yeasts instead of commercially developed ones. Read more about this on our news page.

In 2019, the municipality of Overstrand Hermanus in South Africa was awarded UNESCO's "Creative City for Gastronomy" status! This is one of only 10 cities worldwide and the first on the African continent to receive this distinction. For the Creation winery, and many other individuals and boutique producers in the region, this is a tribute to their contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

About Heaven and Earth Valley

Creation Estate is located in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, a sub-region within the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. It's located approximately twenty kilometers from Hermanus, the coastal town on Walker Bay, also known as the "whale capital" of South Africa. The Atlantic Ocean not only ensures the whales' happy bobbing here, but also creates an ideal climate for viticulture. It's warm, but rarely exceeds thirty degrees Celsius during the growing season. This is due to the fresh sea breeze and the fact that Creation Estate's vineyards are situated slightly higher than most vineyards in the area. The grapes are given the opportunity to ripen optimally, while retaining their fresh acidity thanks to the cool nights. The soil also plays a significant role in this. The vineyards have a clay-derived slate soil called Bokkeveld. This prevents water stress and makes the vines less vigorous, which in turn contributes to the slow ripening of the grapes (due to the slow release of groundwater).

In short, Creation Estate has captured a unique terroir in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. They translate this into full-bodied yet elegant wines with ripe fruit aromas, crisp acidity, and a beautiful minerality.

FACT: In the "Attachments" tab, you'll find the official fact sheet for this fine wine. We'll automatically send it to you when you order it. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pickup" at checkout. We're located in Dordrecht with ample parking. Click here for our address.