There are 3 distinct blocks of Pinot Noir on the farm (each named after a key person at the Battle of Spioenkop in the Second Anglo-Boer War).
The soil for the Botha block is a mix of ferricrete (koffieklip) and clay, with high density planting.
Well structured, with attractive red/black forest fruit and meaty red cherries surprises the palate with a gorgeous flourish of tense violet and ripe fruit with a good backbone of spiciness. A fruity, savoury structure with a soft acidity and firmness.
'1900' series as this varietal is a classic one for the area - and an eternal work in progress for Koen Roose. Although, since his sense for perfection, that 'work in progress' is already well worth drinking!
Tim Atkin: 88pt
Alc 13,5% - T/A 5.6 – R/S 2.7 – V/A 0.76 – pH 3.46
The story behind the name: Before leading the peace negotiations with the British and becoming the first Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa (hence, a British dominion), General L. Botha lead the Boer during the Battle of Spioenkop in the Anglo-Boer War.