South Africa 2021

The Chi Riesling is from the cool region of Elgin, and reflects Jessica’s love for all things Mosel. Indeed, the soils here, at 300m of altitude and 10km from the ocean, are red slate, just like the hillsides above Urzig. It’s slightly off-dry (although in German classifications it would be classed as dry), and is a pure, savoury Riesling that’s simply delicious. Chi means ‘life force’, reflecting the energy Jessica seeks in her Riesling, and also refers to Chiuta, the African rain god: Elgin is the wettest part of the Cape. This ages brilliantly.

Nom comes from Kaaimansgat Vineyard in Elandskloof, the same plot that Peter-Allan Finlayson’s Malabel comes from. Indeed, it was Peter-Allan who originally planted the plot in 2008. The vineyard is at 700m of altitude, but the property, which is mostly planted with apple trees, goes even higher. On the peaks that surround the vineyard, there used to be snow every month of the year other than January. Nom stands for nombulelo (gratitude in “Xhosa”) and Nomkhubulwane (a forgotten African goddess of agriculture), and the stunning label was designed by Isabella Kuijers. It’s lifted and very floral: a very red-fruited expression of Pinot Noir, that’s utterly beautiful this year.

The Om Pinot Noir comes from a vineyard planted on the Hemel-en-Aarde ridge in 2006, just 12km from the sea, at 300m of altitude. Here, the soils are granitic with plenty of clay, and the resulting wine is more savoury and earthy than the perfume of the Nom. For Jessica, Om symbolises the concept of universal creation, while the word is also synonymous with peace. It’s more nervy than the Nom, with more depth and texture, too. There’s a refinement to the tannins, and impressive length.