Baleia Pinot Noir 2022

75cl bottle.

Baleia Wines is a leading estate on South Africa’s Cape South Coast, renowned for its rugged, limestone-rich soils and challenging maritime climate. Located around three and a half hours east of Cape Town, Baleia is the only winery in the Lower Duivenhoks region. The estate has rapidly established itself as one of South Africa’s most exciting producers, celebrated for its acclaimed Chardonnays and distinctive reds from varieties such as Syrah, Tempranillo and Pinot Noir.

At the heart of Baleia lies an extraordinary terroir, though farming here is not for the faint-hearted. Relentless south-easterly winds sweep in from the ocean, buffeting the vineyards year-round, while the vines are forced to root deep into rock-hard limestone soils. These demanding conditions naturally limit yields and shape wines of remarkable character marked by a vibrant mineral freshness. A hands-off approach in the cellar allows this unique terroir to shine through.

Established in 2009 by the Joubert family, their winemaking style is inspired by the Mediterranean climate. Their ethos is to create wines that reflect the unique terroir and elements of their remarkable location. In fact, Baleia is the only winery on the Lower Duiwenhoksrivier in Vermaaklikheid in the southern coastal area of the Cape. Baleia is Portuguese for whale and the striking labels are inspired by St. Sebastien Bay, the Whale Nursery of South Africa.

Baleia`s philosophy is to make wines that are true to the terroir, identifiable by their very specific mineral and maritime character in a blind tasting. Minimal intervention in the cellars ensures that the winemakers do not cloud the natural beauty. In their own words, “when you savour a glass of Baleia, you’ll known the circle is complete.”

Jancis Robinson in 2022 gave the Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc 16.5 points each.