The 2021 Saurwein Om Pinot Noir is an elegant expression from Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, crafted from dryland vineyards just 12 km from the sea. Grown on granite-clay soils and made with minimal intervention, this wine is finely structured and brimming with energy. Aromas of strawberries, red cherries, and exotic spice lead to a palate layered with red berries, hibiscus, and velvety tannins. Balanced by crisp acidity, it offers both vibrancy and age-worthiness, finishing with clarity and finesse.

Jancis Robinson | JR 16
Published: Oct 24, 2022

Name means peace.
Light cherry red. Sweet red fruits is the first impression. A little sweet/sour. Packed with fruit flavour, lots of freshness and juicy sweetness but not much complexity. Plenty of pleasure. Gentle tannins

Saurwein.co.za

Grape origin:
Place of the Gods Farm, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, Walker Bay, Hermanus. This dryland vineyard is situated just 12 km from the sea and lies at 300 m above sea-level.  The soils are granite origin with a significant portion of clay. Pinot noir clones are 115 and 667. The vineyard was planted in 2006. 

Vintage 2021:
It was a late vintage, with great ripening conditions and very healthy fruit. The wine was picked in two batches from two vineyard sites just 100 meters from eachother. The resultant wine from these two sites is energetic, concentrated and has a great fresh acidity and beautiful ageing potential.

Winemaking:
Grapes are hand-picked, hand-sorted, grapes are cold-soaked, fermentation is spontaneous, post-fermentation maceration is complete when the tannins are optimal, and the wine matured for 10 months in 228 liter French oak barrels (new and older).

Descriptors of the nose:
Red berry fruit, strawberries, red and black cherries, plums, exotic spices. Descriptors of the flavour & palate: Red berries, fresh hibiscus, fruit-coated, velvety tannin, crisp acidity, medium-bodied.
Drink: 2021 – 2035 

The story:
Om symbolises the concept of universal creation. This word is also synonymous with peace. The vineyard is situated in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge region (Heaven and Earth), a beautiful and peaceful place close to my heart. May this wine carry forward the peace that its place of creation inspires.

Ideal Cuisine:
French cuisine, refined Asian and African cuisine, savoury vegetarian dishes with aubergine or beetroot, Jerusalem artichoke, fish, poultry, duck, red meat

Technical Specs

Alcohol: 13.5% ABV
Closure: Natural cork
Harvest: 2021
Oak: Aged for approximately 10 months in 228-litre French oak barrels, using a combination of new and older barrels
Varietals: 100% Pinot Noir
Farming: Dryland farming; regenerative agricultural practices are associated with the producer, but certification for this specific vineyard is not confirmed
Vineyard Area: Place of the Gods Farm, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, Walker Bay, Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa. The dryland vineyard is situated approximately 12 km from the Atlantic Ocean at around 300 metres above sea level, with granite-derived soils and clay-rich subsoils. Pinot Noir clones 115 and 667 were planted in 2006.
Vinification: Crafted by Jessica Saurwein from carefully selected Pinot Noir grapes grown in the cool-climate Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. The grapes are hand-harvested and sorted before fermentation, with a gentle extraction approach to preserve aromatic purity and finesse. The wine displays fragrant aromas of red cherries, wild strawberries, raspberries and plums, complemented by floral notes, subtle spice and earthy minerality. The palate is elegant and medium-bodied, with vibrant acidity, fine-grained tannins and a silky texture. Fresh red-fruit flavours carry through to a long, balanced finish. Exact vintage-specific fermentation and barrel details should be confirmed with the producer.
Winemaker: Jessica Saurwein
Region: Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, Walker Bay, Western Cape, South Africa

Serving Temperature: 14–16°C
Decanting: 20–30 minutes
Food Pairing: Roast duck, grilled salmon, roast chicken, mushroom risotto, herb-roasted pork, wild mushrooms and lightly spiced Asian dishes.