Thorne & Daughters 'Copper Pot' Pinot Noir 2024

South African Pinot Noirs like this neatly bridge a gap between Antipodean ripe, generous fruit on one side and savoury Burgundian-style structure on the other - and they're generally pretty good value too. Copper Pot comes from different parcels across the Cape, handled with a deliberately hands-off approach to keep things pure and expressive. Fermentation with wild yeasts, gentle extraction and ageing in older oak bring nuance without smothering the fruit. Expect red berries, plum and a touch of blood orange, balanced by earthy spice, fine tannins and a fresh, dry finish. Smartly judged Pinot Noir with both charm and backbone.

Lovely now with roast duck, mushrooms or game; its freshness and fine tannins will also hold it in good stead for a few years

As they put it themselves, Thorne & Daughters aim to make wines with old-school simplicity and a modern edge. And they seem to be making a pretty good fist of it. John and Tasha Seccombe set up shop in 2012 with the goal of crafting wines that go beyond simple varietal expression - something more layered, textural, and distinctive. It's an approach that defines everything they produce, especially their superb flagship blends, Rocking Horse and Wanderer's Heart. Rather than owning vineyards, they work closely with growers across the Western Cape, selecting the best parcels of fruit to meet their exacting standards. It's a method that gives them both flexibility and consistency, and judging by the results, it's working a treat.