I work with grape growers in various cool-climate regions because this allows me to “create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.” Each vineyard is unique based on a number of factors—soil types, elevation, microclimate, rainfall, for instance. I’m looking for grapes that bring freshness and elegance to the final wine.

Grapes for the Chardonnay are sourced from 2 vineyards in the Western Cape. One is an old-vine vineyard in Paarl. This is not an area typically associated with fine Chardonnay but this 40-year old vineyard produces grapes with great flavour and intensity. I blend this with grapes from the Overberg region which adds minerality and acidity to the wine.

Grapes for the Pinot Noir are sourced from three differenct cool-climate vineyards in the Western Cape region. The Overberg region brings a very classic and elegant strawberry-fruit profile, while the vineyards in Elgin adds structure and depth. The grapes from Cape Town gives the final wine a very alluring perfume.

I’m proud to debut the Kara-Tara Pinot Noir Reserve 2020, a limited release (just 700 bottles) from a unique vineyard in the Overberg region. This particular vineyard always stood out for me for its excellent fruit. Planted in rocky shale and surrounded by mountains, this isolated vineyard has the cool climate needed to make elegant and cellar-worthy Pinot. The wine has a seductive perfume, elegant tannins, and beautiful long legs.