Coastal
Radford Dale
Radford Dale Vinum Pinot Noir
Black CherryMintStrawberrySatin Texture
Details
Variety
Pinot Noir
Style
Red
Region
Coastal
Appellation
Elgin
Producer
Radford Dale
Country
South Africa
Trade Materials
The Inspiration
Vinum Pinot Noir marks an exploration beyond Radford Dale's traditional Pinot Noir territory in Elgin. Working with three vineyard sites across Stellenbosch and Bot River, the wine brings together different expressions of Cape Pinot Noir, with a slightly fleshier profile and a darker-fruited character than their cooler-climate examples.
The wine reflects an evolving relationship with these vineyards and a willingness to let site shape style. Generous fruit is layered with subtle spice and savory nuance, while fine tannins, lively freshness and a satin-like texture keep the wine poised and elegant. With Alex Dale hailing from Burgundy, his influence of finesse shows. The famous 'heartbreak grape' won't be doing any heartbreak here.
It remains firmly aligned with the Vinum philosophy: minimal-intervention winemaking, purity and balance, with the vineyard character kept at the forefront. The range also reflects Radford Dale's broader sustainability focus, with Vinum wines bottled in lightweight 396g glass and recyclable screw caps.
About Radford Dale
All About Individuality
"All About Individuality" defines Radford Dale. Founder Alex Dale arrived in South Africa from Burgundy in 1994, bringing a deep understanding of French wine tradition, but an equally strong belief in South Africa's ability to forge its own identity in the new South Africa. Since co-founding Radford Dale in 1998, that balance of classical expertise, independent thinking and distinctly South African expression has shaped the wines to become a benchmark of its own.
People are at the core of Radford Dale with a strong female team, international expertise and impactful upliftment in the communities they work in. Winemaker Petroné Thomas leads a talented cellar team, working with a light touch and a holistic philosophy that connects vineyard, cellar, people and place. Organic and regenerative farming, minimal-intervention winemaking and a willingness to challenge convention result in wines defined by freshness, elegance and individuality.
Being a co-founder of the Certified Organic Wines of South Africa, sustainability has an encompassed meaning for them that runs much deeper than just farming. Radford Dale's Sustainability Charter encompasses environmental responsibility, ethical employment and traceable social impact such as the Land of Hope Education Trust which directs 50% of profit from its namesake range towards education for employees and their dependants.
Their wines are proudly site-driven, unmanipulated and balanced - because they believe that South African wines should reflect their natural environment, vintage and distinct terroirs. Made using natural yeast fermentations, low or no adjustments, minimal usage of new oak resulting in restrained alcohols and healthy natural acidities, both hallmarks of elegant and refreshing wines, with balance the ultimate purpose.
From their long-standing focus on Chenin Blanc to exploring Gamay's impressive potential in Stellenbosch and Elgin, Radford Dale continues to push South African wine forward with passion, contagious energy and undeniable South African spirit.
