Paul Cluver, Elgin (South Africa) Pinot Noir 2016

 I’ve tasted multiple vintages of this wine that were obviously much better than most Pinot Noirs costing twice as much from anywhere in the world, and the 2016 rendition joins that illustrious group.  Compellingly complex, with spice notes intermingled with fruit (that is juicy but not sweet) and savory accents, this expressive wine punches far above its weight in terms of aroma and flavor, which is precisely what defines excellent Pinot Noir.  This should scare the hell out of Pinot producers all over the world asking more than $50 for their wines.