Saurwein Nom & Om Pinot Noirs 2020
Saurwein Nom & Om Pinot Noirs 2020
Wines of contrast: Delicate vs. exotic
The 2020 releases of Jessica Saurwein's Nom and Om Pinot Noirs are two poised and wonderfully different expressions of the grape. They share a feminine DNA but their juxtaposition offers a great insight into these two unique South African Pinot terroirs.
The 2020 Nom Pinot Noir, now on its 6th vintage, comes from vines 700m above sea level in Elandskloof. Surrounded by tall mountains, it's the ideal terroir for the optimal ripening of Pinot Noir. Darker fruited and exotic with bold confidence, the Nom exudes its trademark perfume of dried orange, negroni and Asian spice mix. The opulent palate has a complex, earthy and mineral counterpoint and ends with a seductive pull that's juicy and sensuous.
In contrast, the 2020 Om Pinot Noir is one of the most thought-provoking wines I've tasted this year. Shy and delicate with plenty of detail, requiring coaxing in the glass, indicates that it will need a year to unfurl. From dryland vineyards in Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, and 300m above sea level, this vintage produced an elegant wine with hints of musk, red and dark berry and a surprisingly subtle structure – it is taut with pent-up energy.
The winemaking is very hands-off. However, the health of the soil and vineyards is of the utmost importance to Jessica. According to Jessica, the 2020 Nom vintage had 'wind during berry set, that led to tiny berries (high grape to juice ratio) and thus great concentration in the wine and intensity without weight'. Whilst the 2020 Om was, in her words, from an 'excellent early ripening vintage which made the picking date all-important'. Available in small-batch quantities, these are both thoughtful and special wines.
