Catherine Marshall Sandstone Pinot Noir 2023 Elgin Valley (75cl, 13.5%)

This is a 2023 Pinot Noir from Catherine Marshall Wines in the Elgin Valley, South Africa, in a 75cl bottle. The grapes come from four cool sites, grown on different kinds of sandstone, including Table Mountain Sandstone with silica quartz, and Tukulu, a mix of sand and gravel. They were hand-picked in small batches in February, and cellar work is kept minimal so that the sandstone character shows in the finished wine. The palate shows pomegranate, cranberry and red cherry, with dry, suede-like tannins adding texture. It suits prawns, rich white fish, sushi and mushroom risotto.