The flagship 2008 Seven Flags Pinot Noir is a winery selection of the finest barrels, but I suspect that the challenging growing season limited its potential. The nose is savoury with touches of dried herbs, whilst the palate is again rather savoury on the entry and marked by a dry finish that implies it would have been better one year ago. Neurosurgeon Dr. Paul Cluver owns the eponymous 2,500-hectare estate in Elgin, of which 90-hectares are under vine. It is a family affair. Winemaker Andreas Burger (recently elected to the prestigious Cape Winemakers Guild) is married to daughter and financial director, Inge Cluver. Their portfolio focuses on classic varieties, in particular a splendid Chardonnay and commendable Pinot Noir from Burgundy clones.Importer: World Premier Wines, Mooresville, NC. Tel 704-360-0962.

Spicy forest and used coffee grind aromas mingle with notes of small red berries and red plum flesh. Lively and juicy but elegant in the mouth with medium tannins and a white pepper-dusted finish. ——L.B.(6/1/2011)—— 88