Other recent vintages:  2021   2020   2019  

Part of Noble Hill used to be called Southern Cross farm, and the winery marks this chapter in its history with a special carbonic-macerated, naturally-fermented wine named after the the Crux (Southern Cross) constellation. Light fruit aromas, a delicate colour, and a fruitful mineral flavour. Only 240 bottles made. Serve chilled.

  • South Africa    Simonsberg    Simonsberg-Paarl
  • 100%
    Mourvèdre
     
  • Alcohol
      13.5%
  • Certified sustainable
  • Natural wine
  • Oak
      No oak contact
  • Production
      240 bottles
  • Residual sugar
      1.1 g/l
  • Vegan
  • Award
      91 points, Tim Atkin MW, "a total pleasure to drink"

<h3>In the vines</h3> <p>Our bushvine Mataro (also known as Mourvèdre) grows on the foothills of the Simonsberg mountains in deep clay soil. This soil is low in nutrient content and the vines develop strong, deep root systems as a result. Very little is done to the vines during the growing season, as the bushvine canopies provide ideal natural shading for the bunches. 2017, a very dry year with moderate temperatures, yielded an exceptionally small crop of very high quality.</p> <h3>The wine</h3> <p>With such small production, we chose in 2017 to follow a non-traditional style based on the “nouveau” wines popularized in the Burgundian village of Beaujolais. Whole bunches were placed intact into tank and left under cover of inert gas for a period of 21 days. During this period a partial enzymatic fermentation produced the first 4-5% alcohol and gave the wine a zestful, delicate aroma. Following this carbonic maceration the bunches were gently pressed and naturally fermented. This wine has floral aromas offset by complex savoury and earthy notes. Light in colour and on the palette, this wine is a celebration of a new vintage perfect for enjoyment with charcuterie and aged hard cheese after a long day of harvest. Serve slightly chilled. Some sedimentation may occur in bottle.</p>