Catherine Marshall "Clay" Pinot Noir '24

Catherine Marshall began her career as a solo winemaker in 2007, after apprenticing at cellars locally as well as internationally, in France, the US, and Australia. She was instrumental in formalizing the “garagiste” movement of South Africa, which included a diverse range of passionate winemakers who have a small wine output but who do not compromise on quality. Her detailed, hands-on, respectful approach in the vineyards and in the wine production process are evident in the unique character of her wines.

This Pinot Noir, grown from vines in South Africa's cool Elgin Valley as well as the high elevation points of the Hemel en Aarde Ridge balances the honed acidity and tart, vibrant fruit of these climates (cooled by Atlantic influence, including the bite of the Antarctic Benguela Current) against a deeper brooding character influenced by the Clay soil from which she gave this wine its name.

In fact, that earthy, truffle-inflected depth delves deep enough that this plays beautifully against richer dishes, such as Coq au vin or venison with roast mushrooms.