Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All VintagesSoft nose of red apple, smoke and candied lemon. Fresh and expressive style on the palate with a touch of grip.
The name "Black Pearl" was inspired by the fact that the vineyard is situated on the slopes of Paarl Mountain, and Paarl Rock resembles a black pearl after it has rained. Black pearls also have rarity value. The name of our blend "Oro" comes from the God Oro, King of the Firmament, who gave the black pearl as a gift to the ocean.
Flanked by majestic mountains on either side, the Paarl district is a valley whose most valuable water source is the Berg River. While sometimes during dry and hot summers, the vineyards in the valley need supplemental irrigation, those vineyards on the eastern slopes where water retention is better, aren't irrigated.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc enjoy great success in Paarl.
Unquestionably one of the most diverse grape varieties, Chenin Blanc can do it all. It shines in every style from bone dry to unctuously sweet, oaked or unoaked, still or sparkling and even as the base for fortified wines and spirits. Perhaps Chenin Blanc’s greatest asset is its ever-present acidity, maintained even under warm growing conditions. Somm Secret—Landing in South Africa in the mid 1800s, today the country has double the acreage of Chenin Blanc planted compared to France. There is also a new wave of dedicated producers committed to restoring old Chenin vines.