Pinot Noir "Kara-Tara" Stark-Condé, Western Cape, ZA, 2020

100% Pinot Noir

For this Pinot Noir, I have combined grapes from three distinct cool-climate vineyards in the Western Cape. Western Cape is a designation not often used for fine wine but I feel that bringing diverse components together can increase complexity if done properly.

Grapes for the Pinot Noir are sourced from three differenct cool-climate vineyards in the Western Cape region. The Overberg region brings a very classic and elegant strawberry-fruit profile, while the vineyards in Elgin adds structure and depth. The grapes from Cape Town gives the final wine a very alluring perfume.

I grew up in a small town on the southeastern coast called George, which is about 3 hours outside of Cape Town. Karatara is the name of a river that runs through this area. In the language of the Khoisan, the words translate to “deep, dark shadows.” I chose this name for my wines because I wanted to honour my roots.

I grew up in a tight-knit community. Both of my parents were school teachers and kept a strict eye over us. I played rugby as a kid and like all South African boys, I dreamed of becoming a Springbok rugby player. In high school we used to travel to Stellenbosch and Paarl to play rugby matches, and that was my first memory of seeing vineyards.

My older brother studied winemaking and he would take me inside cellars and let me taste from barrels. I was hooked. I also went on to study viticulture and for this decision I have my brother to thank (or curse depending on the time of year and how hard the harvest is treating me!)

I know that making wine isn’t just about sipping and swirling in the cellar—it begins many years earlier, in the actual vineyards. My late father was a keen gardener; working with the soil and patiently watching things grow was important to him and brought him great joy. I think about this a lot when I am outdoors in the vineyards and imagining the wines that I am about to make.

-Rüdger van Wyk

Owner & Winemaker