Pieter Ferreira Extra Brut 2016

A very extended period of lees contact to build complexity seems to be an increasingly common practice when it comes to top-end Cap Classique but precision and freshness sometimes get a bit lost.

The Extra Brut 2016 from Pieter Ferreira had five years before disgorgement and the wine is very rich and round. A blend of 60% Pinot Noir (Elgin and Paarl) and 40% Chardonnay (Robertson), it is golden in colour with notes of lemon, peach, apple, baked bread, honey and spice on the nose while the palate has layers of flavour and a creamy mousse.

It’s carefully crafted as you would expect from this leading practitioner of the category, but my sense is that it’s ready to drink and won’t benefit from more time in bottle. Price: R335 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

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