Dear *|FNAME|*,

We’ve secured a small parcel of this super exciting single-vineyard Pinot from Shannon. Crafted by Pinot masters Gordon and Nadia Newton Johnson, they named it ‘RocknRolla’ as barrels from this single vineyard were always head and shoulders above the rest. It really is rock and roll.

From a vineyard established in 2000, the mature vines add concentrated fruit imbued with sumptuous dark cherry, Asian spice, and autumnal depth. There’s loads of complexity to this rich Pinot Noir – it’s one of the few to combine perfume, spice and dark fruit with a full-bodied, tannic structure. This continues to be a benchmark offering from Elgin. ‘A Cape Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru,’ says Tim Atkin of the 2019 release.

The RocknRolla is sourced from the oldest block on Shannon – a tiny 0.5-hectre vineyard planted by one of SA’s best grape growers, James Downs, to Dijon clone 113. The bunches are destemmed, the berries hand-sorted and then the ferment starts spontaneously with indigenous yeast, leading to a slow fermentation. The wine is raised in lightly toasted barrels – 50% new.

This superb Pinot is in high demand and only a miniscule quantity is released to the SA market.

Reply to this email or visit our website to place your order online.

Vinous regards,

Tasting notes

Shannon RocknRolla Pinot Noir 2021

‘This vineyard expresses a range of flavours from vibrant raspberry, strawberry, currant and cherry. We respect the power and elegance delivered in this beautiful expression of a balanced bright red to darker berried flavour spectrum, delivered by the older Dijon clones PN 113 in our Shannon “RocknRolla”.’ – Winemaker

NOTES ON THE 2020: ‘Vinified by Gordon and Nadia Newton Johnson - no slouches when it comes to Pinot Noir - this is a wonderfully fine, detailed, lacy red that's all made with the 113 clone. Floral and enticing, with potpourri and pressed rose petal aromas, some clove spice from 20% whole bunches, stylish oak, layers of summer berry and tobacco leaf flavours and a refreshing, nuanced finish.’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report, 96/100

NOTES ON THE 2019: ‘The best Pinot Noir release yet from Shannon, this comes from a 0.5-hectare parcel in the middle of the Mount Bullet vineyard and is made entirely with the 113 clone. Savoury, complex and dense with remarkable concentration, scented wood, black cherry and raspberry fruit and impressive energy and freshness. A Cape Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru.’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report, 96/100

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