A winery focusing on high quality Pinot Noir, I recently had the chance to visit the winery’s tasting room in Dundee. The winery is owned by South African winery owners, Antony & Angela Beck and they have utilized eminent winemaker, Ken Wright to craft their Pinot Noirs. Angela Estate sources from two Yamhill-Carlton vineyard sites. The Angela Estate vineyard was first planted in 2006 (21 acres) to Dijon clones 777, 115 and Wadenswil as well. An additional 13 acres were planted in 2007. Because of the uniqueness of the Savannah Ridge, the entire vineyard is usually harvested in one day. Angela Estate also sources from the Abbot Claim Vineyard (16 acres) located in the Savannah Ridge, is a small east-west ridgeline of sedimentary rock just east of Carlton. Soils are mostly Wellsdale with some areas of Willakenzie, Melbourne and Peavine. Vines are roughly an equal mix of Pommard clone on Riparia Gloire rootstock, as well as Dijon clones 777 and 115 as this vineyard vineyard is managed by Mark Gould of Ken Wright Cellars.
I was impressed with their recent lineup of Pinot Noirs. Look for their 2013 Angela Estate ‘Abbot’s Claim’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 92) which shows a wonderful range of flavors and aromatics, as well as lovely terroir. Learn more about Angela Estate at http://angelaestate.com/ Here are the great new release wines from Angela Estate.
2013 Angela Estate Pinot Noir- The wine begins with aromas of red cherry, black truffle oil, red raspberry and black plum. There are ripe flavors of red raspberry, orange rind, red cherry and hints of guava puree. This has a strong minerality. Drink 2017-2023- 90
2014 Angela Estate Pinot Noir- Sourced from their 34 acre vineyard, the wine begins with aromatics of black cherry, black truffle, black tea, hints of thyme and cloves. There are flavors of red cherry, red raspberry, thyme and hints of guava with forest floor. This Pinot Noir displays some nice poise and red fruit flavors. Drink 2017-2023- 90
2013 Angela 'Abbot's Claim' Pinot Noir- The best wine from Angela Estate is their ‘Abbot’s Claim’ Pinot, which shows wonderful terroir and mid-palate weight. The wine is sourced from a 16 acre vineyard that is both Dijon 115, 777 and Pommard. The wine opens with aromatics of smoke, forest floor, black truffle, lavender and red cherry. There are flavors of red cherry, Tangerine rind, red raspberry and suggestions of nutmeg. This has lovely texture and mouthfeel, showing nice weight from this vintage. Drink 2017-2026- 92