Home / Johann Rupert / Sneeuwkrans Pinot Noir

Sneeuwkrans Pinot Noir

Volume: 750ml
Vintage: 2021
ABV: 13.5%

£27.00

Member Price: £21.60

SNEEUWKRANS · ELANDSKLOOF · JOHANN RUPERT · COOL-CLIMATE PINOT NOIR

From Johann Rupert's Anthonij Rupert Wine Estate, Sneeuwkrans Pinot Noir comes from the high-altitude Elandskloof Valley, where steep mountains, cool conditions and decomposed shale soils create an unusually elegant expression of Pinot Noir. The 2021 vintage delivers perfumed cherry blossom, raspberry and ripe plum alongside earthy forest-floor character, with silky texture, bright acidity and beautifully integrated oak. The wine is a natural fit for Sporting Wine Club: Johann Rupert is not only a major figure in South African business and wine, but a lifelong sportsman with deep connections to golf, cricket and the wider role of sport in society.

A sophisticated, cool-climate South African Pinot Noir with the finesse, pedigree and sporting story to make it a standout bottle.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Bright ruby red with a translucent Pinot Noir hue; youthful and elegant in the glass.
Nose: Perfumed cherry blossom, wild raspberry and ripe red plum, layered with forest floor, earthy spice and a subtle floral lift.
Palate: Silky and supple, with vibrant red cherry, raspberry and plum. Bright natural acidity gives the wine energy, while fine tannins and integrated seasoned French oak provide structure. There is a lovely tension between delicate red fruit and deeper earthy, leafy character.
Finish: Long, refined and persistent, with red fruit, gentle spice and lingering forest-floor complexity.

Perfect For

Suggested Dishes: Roast duck, braised duck, poached salmon, roast chicken, mushroom dishes, charcuterie, game birds and earthy vegetable dishes.
Suggested Occasions: Elegant dinner parties, Sunday lunch, intimate dinners, special celebrations and serious wine dinners.
Suggested Sporting Occasions: Golf days, The Open Championship, Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, Masters weekend, Six Nations, Rugby World Cup, cricket internationals and relaxed post-match dinners.

Details

Style: Premium Cool-Climate Pinot Noir
Country: South Africa
Region: Western Cape
Appellation: WO Elandskloof
Producer: Cape of Good Hope / Anthonij Rupert Wyne
Vineyard: Sneeuwkrans Vineyard, Altima Estate, Elandskloof
Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Closure: Cork
Drinking Window: 2025–2031
Serving Temp: 14–16°C
Decanting Advice: Not essential, but 30–45 minutes of gentle aeration can help reveal the wine's earthy and savoury complexity.
Cellaring Potential: 5–10 years; the combination of natural acidity, fine tannins and structure gives this considerably more longevity than its delicate style initially suggests.
Oak/Cask Ageing: 10 months in seasoned/old French oak barrels.

Awards & Medals

Greg Sherwood MW scored the 2018 Sneeuwkrans 92+/100, describing it as complex and approachable, with wild berry, cranberry, red currant and strawberry aromatics, silky texture, fine tannins and a long, sweet-fruited finish.

“This is Pinot Noir with real personality. It’s elegant rather than heavy, with gorgeous red fruit and that lovely earthy, forest-floor character that keeps drawing you back to the glass. Knowing the story behind Johann Rupert and his connection to golf makes it particularly special for SWC — a brilliant bottle for a long lunch after a day on the course.”- Simon H