Jasper Raats 'Basket & Barrel' Pinot Noir 2023 750ml

Product Info

• Aroma: Heady and complexly layered. The nose offers elegant, bright aromas of raspberry, red cherry, and dark forest berries, balanced by soft floral notes of rose petals and violets alongside wild oregano, musk, and subtle sweet baking spices. 
• Palate: The "animated 2023 delivers raspberry & spice in a supple & gentle structure," balancing an energetic core of tart cherry, lavender, and citrus zest with a terrine-like, savory undertone. It features excellent mid-palate fruit concentration and a rounded body lifted by a beautifully vibrant line of natural acidity.
• Finish: Long and deeply savory. It finishes with a persistent umami-rich depth framed by nicely grippy, well-knit dry tannins.

• Terroir: Sourced entirely from an organic, biodynamically farmed block planted in 2014 on the Helderberg mountain. The site features mineral-rich soils of decomposed granite over clay. It sits just 5 to 6 kilometers from False Bay, catching intense, cooling Atlantic breezes that slow ripening and protect the fruit's delicate aromatics. 
• Harvesting & Fermentation: True to its name, the fruit is meticulously hand-harvested into small baskets during the cool early morning hours to protect the integrity of the grapes. It undergoes natural, spontaneous fermentation in open-top fermenters using native yeasts, without added enzymes, stabilizers, or chemical preservatives. 
• Maturation: Matured for 15 months in barrel (10% new French oak). Notably, the wood program represents a shift down from the heavier 24-month aging used in the 2022 vintage, resulting in a fresher, more sprightly profile. Alcohol levels register at a balanced 13.7% ABV. 

• Serving Tips: Serve at a slightly cool cellar temperature (14–16°C / 57–60°F). Because of its savory, structured backbone, giving it 20–30 minutes to breathe in a decanter will allow the herbal and spicy elements to fully open.
• Food Pairings: The combination of vibrant cherry fruit, structural tannins, and an umami backbone makes this Pinot Noir exceptionally versatile at the dinner table. It pairs beautifully with:
  • Pan-seared duck breast with a cherry or cranberry reduction.
  • Earthy mushroom risotto or wild mushroom pastries.
  • Charcuterie boards featuring cured meats (like prosciutto or bresaola), terrines, and semi-hard cheeses.
  • Roasted pork loin rubbed with rosemary and thyme.