Creation Wines is a highly acclaimed wine estate located on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge in the Walker Bay wine region of South Africa, near Hermanus. Established in 2002 by husband-and-wife team Jean-Claude (JC) and Carolyn Martin, the estate was developed from virgin land, with the first grapes harvested in 2006.

Born into pioneering winemaking families from Switzerland and South Africa respectively, JC and Carolyn Martin brought extensive experience and a shared vision to Creation. Their philosophy centers on “enhancing the beauty of nature,” employing sustainable and environmentally responsible practices in both the vineyards and the cellar. Creation was notably one of the first wineries in South Africa to plant certified virus-free vines post-1994, a crucial factor for long-term vineyard health.

The estate’s unique terroir, characterized by 450-million-year-old clay loam soils, a cool maritime climate influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, and a high elevation, provides ideal conditions for producing elegant and balanced wines. Creation is particularly renowned for its world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, though they also cultivate other varietals. Beyond winemaking, Creation is a popular tourism destination, offering a state-of-the-art tasting room, a highly regarded restaurant with food and wine pairings, and a commitment to community and environmental initiatives, including being a WWF Conservation Champion.

Lately, Creation has been heralded as Africa’s best vineyard, and #3 in the world. A visit to the winery is a marvel for the senses.

Terroir
Wine of Origin: Walker Bay
Soil: Decomposed Bokkeveld shale on clay-loam
Elevation: 270m

Vintage
Harvest Date: April2023
Rainfall: 820 mm
Ripening: Long ripening period
Avg Temp: 22° C

Vinification
75% Syrah, 25% Grenache. Hand-harvested. Fermented in large foudres and stainless steel tanks. Maturation took place in 10% new wood and 50% second and third-fill French oak barrels for 14 months.

Analysis
Alcohol: 13.5 vol%
Total Acid: 5.2 g/l
pH: 3.5
Residual Sugar: 1.7 g/l

Oh so Umami …
A well-endowed Rhône-style blend with intense flavours of ripe
plum, black pepper, tapenade and umami.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate – 90 points