Pinot Noir Elgin 2023 – Moya Meaker

Overview

The Pinot Noir Elgin 2023 from Moya Meaker is an elegant and precise red wine crafted to express the cool climate of Elgin. Made from a 60/40 split of the 667 and 777 clones, this vintage showcases balance, complexity, and a sense of place. Fermented with whole berries, it retains freshness and purity without introducing unwanted peppery notes, while careful barrel maturation adds structure and refinement.

History of the Wine

This 2023 vintage represents a step up from 2022, with greater complexity and sous-bois aromas enriching the bouquet. The grapes come from vineyards planted on Bokkeveld shale, which provides mineral character and structure. Fermentation was done with whole berries (without entire clusters) and the wine matured for 11 months in 20% new Burgundian oak barrels, achieving elegance, silky tannins, and aromatic depth.

Vineyard Philosophy

The vineyards in Elgin are managed sustainably, with attention to biodiversity and low yields. Slow ripening and careful clone selection ensure concentrated, expressive fruit. The elevated sites and cool climate enhance acidity, minerality, and freshness, resulting in a Pinot Noir that is elegant, harmonious, and capable of aging gracefully.

Winemaking Approach

In the cellar, Jean Smit follows a minimal intervention approach to highlight varietal identity and terroir. Fermentation with whole berries preserves precision and tension, while 11 months in oak barrels (20% new) provide structure and complexity without overwhelming the fruit. The result is a medium-bodied wine with vibrant red fruit, balanced tannins, and an expressive, harmonious finish.

Tasting Notes

Colour: bright ruby red.
Nose: complex, with aromas of vivid red berries, red currant, blood orange, rhubarb, complemented by notes of sous-bois, briar, and graphite.
Palate: medium-bodied, with sapid red fruit and well-integrated tannins; gently grippy, balanced, and harmonious, with a refined finish that reflects freshness and elegance.

Food Pairings

Perfect with delicate red meats, game, roasts, seasoned poultry, and refined international dishes. Also pairs well with aged cheeses and mushroom-based dishes.

Technical Sheet

• Producer: Moya Meaker

• Designation: Elgin

• Grape Variety: Pinot Noir 100%

• Alcohol: 13%

• Bottle Size: 0.75 L

• Ageing: 11 months in Burgundian oak barrels (20% new)

• Serving Temperature: 16–18 °C

• Drinking Window: 2035

• Style: Red

• Food Pairings: red meats, game, roasts, poultry, aged cheeses

• Allergens: contains sulfites

Moya Meaker – Winery Description

Overview

Moya Meaker is a winery born from the union of two worlds: David Curl, a Canadian businessman and former owner of Bordeaux’s Château Gaby, and Genevieve Hamilton-Brown, originally from South Africa. Their marriage brought them to the cool and fertile Elgin Valley, a region renowned for elegant, cool-climate wines, especially Pinot Noir and Shiraz. The estate combines international experience, winemaking sensitivity, and respect for the land, producing wines with a unique and distinctive character.

History of the Winery

The journey began with the acquisition of a farm named Habibi, originally planted mostly with apples. David and Genevieve transformed the property, planting small parcels of Pinot Noir and Shiraz, which thrive in Elgin’s altitude, fresh climate, and complex soils. Their goal was to create wines that faithfully express the terroir and the typicity of the varieties, blending Old World inspiration with South African terroir.

Vineyard Philosophy

At Moya Meaker, the vineyard philosophy emphasizes biodiversity, sustainability, and soil health. Each parcel is carefully managed, yields are low to ensure concentration and aromatic purity, and vineyard practices promote natural balance. The region’s maritime influence and cool breezes allow for slow ripening, developing complex aromatics and natural minerality—traits reflected in every bottle.

Winemaking Approach

In the cellar, the approach is based on precision and minimal intervention, respecting the character of each vineyard. Vinification methods highlight varietal expression and terroir, while maturation is carefully calibrated to add complexity and elegance without overshadowing the fruit. The result is wines that are harmonious, refined, and capable of graceful ageing, capturing the essence of Elgin and the Curl-Hamilton-Brown family vision.

Identity and Personal Tribute

The estate’s name honors Moya Meaker, Genevieve’s mother, crowned Miss South Africa in 1959. This choice reflects a deep family connection, South African heritage, and the desire to craft wines that tell an authentic, elegant, and personal story. Each bottle embodies passion, care, and a celebration of tradition with contemporary sensibility.