92 points, Vinous
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91 points, James Suckling
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About the Wine
Critic Reviews
92 points, Vinous
91 points, James Suckling
“The 2020 Pinot Noir has a very attractive bouquet of brambly red berry fruit, red plums and raspberry preserve, beautifully defined and seamlessly integrated with the oak. The palate is medium-bodied, taut and fresh, with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity and a detailed, precise, slightly savory finish. Great structure and plenty of freshness here. Superb.”
91 points, James Suckling
“A meaty, smoky pinot with aromas of pomegranate, dried cranberry, smoke, baking spice, and charred bark. It’s medium-bodied with sleek tannins and bright acidity. Crunchy, savory, and flavorful. Sustainable. Drink now.”
About The Winery
Berene Sauls has exceeded all expectations with Tesselaarsdal. In more than one respect, Tesselaarsdal is a breakthrough. Formerly employed by Hamilton Russell Estates and mentored by Anthony Hamilton Russell, not only is Tesselaarsdal the first wine project for Berene, but importantly it is the first wine project wholly-owned by a member of a 'previously disadvantaged community' in the Hemel-en-Aarde area and, indeed, the Overstrand. The wine is named after the historic rural hamlet Tesselaarsdal, not far from Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, where Berene was born. It was at Tesselaarsdal where Berene's ancestors once lived as freed slaves on land bequeathed to them in 1810 by former East India Company Settler, Johannes Tesselaar. The naming of her first wine appropriately honors her roots. Tesselaarsdal Pinot Noir and Chardonnay continue the legacy of the Sauls and the Tesselaarsdal farm.