Grand Duc Pinot Noir 97 Points James Suckling
“A Pinot Noir worthy of its title.”

From time to time, when the stars align, Hans creates not just a Pinot Noir but the extraordinary Grand Duc. This wine is a vineyard selection, crafted from the finest rows of a particular soil type in a remarkable vintage, harvested at the tiniest yield for unparalleled concentration and quality.

Hans ensures every bottle is worthy of its name. Like a fine Grand Cru Burgundy, this handcrafted Pinot Noir receives the care and time it deserves: years of barrel and bottle ageing to achieve its full potential.

This is not just a wine; it is an experience, a tribute to what Pinot Noir can become in the hands of a true vigneron.

Hans’ Winemaking Comments

‘The extended cold soak followed a natural, wild yeast fermentation over 20 days. After gentle pressing the wine was then transferred to French barriques (30% new) where it progressed through malolactic fermentation and aged on its fine lees for an invaluable 22 months, making it a contender to last the ages. No fining, no filtration.’

Tasting Notes

From the origins of the Herzog* name itself, this regal Pinot Noir is aptly dubbed the Grand Duc. A heady nose of black berries, dark chocolate with lots of spices lead to a mouth-watering palette of ripe dark plums, liquorice and velvety soft tannins. Extremely concentrated with an impressive structure but still lively and vibrant. A long, smoky luscious finish, fit for any member of the monarch.

Technical Data

Variety 100% Pinot Noir Clones Dijon clones 114, 115, 667, 777; Swiss clone 10/5 Rootstock S04 Vine Planted 1996 Soil

Shallow (<45cm) well drained sandy and gravelly soil with clay-sand patches from stony alluvium

Planting Density 5,550 vines/ha Yield 3t/ha Alcohol 14% Residual Sugar <1g/L Ageing Potential 15+ years Bottles Produced 1,429

Food Matching Suggestions

Our dry and elegant wines are famous for being the Sommeliers choice due to their ability to easily match many different dishes. Try with poultry, pasta dishes and casseroles, to name a few.

Industry Reviews

James Suckling – 97 points

‘The tannins are so polished and creamy, yet its firm at the same time, like cut velvet. Its full-bodied with juicy plums and strawberries. Flavorful and savory. Hints of meat and bark. Mushroom, too. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.’

The Real Review- 95 points

“Hand-picked grapes from very low-yielding vines and an exceptional vintage were fermented and matured for 22 months in barrel. A flagship wine with weight, concentration and richness. Plum, cranberry, spicy oak, mixed spice, dried herbs and subtle floral flavours. A complex wine that’s accessible now but no rush.” Bob Campbell