2021 Pinot Noir 'Clonal Selection', Kershaw

Elgin Reverie

Fragrant and finely composed, this Elgin Pinot Noir combines the charm of ripe berries with a savoury depth that gradually reveals itself in the glass. Raspberry, wild strawberry and red plum mingle with darker cherry notes, lifted by rose petals and a refreshing woodland character. Gentle coffee, delicate toast and sweet spice sit beneath the fruit, adding complexity while allowing the wine’s perfume to remain beautifully clear.

The palate has a lovely balance of succulent fruit and firm, finely textured tannins, with vibrant acidity bringing freshness and definition. Medium-bodied, it develops satisfying depth through the middle without losing its buoyancy, carrying red berries, subtle spice and savoury detail into a lingering finish. There is pleasure here now, particularly alongside food, and enough structure to reward patient cellaring. For lovers of expressive, thoughtfully made Pinot Noir, it offers an engaging combination of fragrance, substance and restraint.

For when: The roast is resting, and there’s time to let a beautiful Pinot unfold.

Pairs with: Roast duck with cherry jus, guinea fowl with thyme, pork fillet with mushroom cream, grilled salmon with puy lentils, wild mushroom risotto, or a beetroot and goat’s cheese tart.

Clonal Selection explores how carefully chosen forms of Pinot Noir respond to Elgin’s different vineyard sites. The components are vinified separately, allowing Richard Kershaw to assess their individual character before assembling the final blend. Fragrance, fruit, texture and freshness all play their part, creating a wine with the detail and harmony that define his approach.

The cool, extended 2021 season was particularly successful for Kershaw. Increased winter rainfall and a cool spring delayed growth, while slow ripening allowed tannins to mature evenly at relatively modest sugar levels. The resulting wines combine aromatic lift, bright acidity and finely developed structure.