Illimis - Paarl Grenache Noir 2023

Illimis, meaning clarity in Latin, focuses on producing wines that reflect their origin. It is the passion project of winemaker Lucinda Heyns, who left her wine research position to found the small minimal intervention winery. From 2 Wellington vineyards planted in 2007 and 2015 (the latter bush vine), and in clay and shale soils, with pockets of schist. This saw 60% whole bunch, and a native ferment with 11 days on skins before 7 months in older 225L French oak. One of the cadre of lighter, more graceful grenache (worldwide), this lighter-hued red charms with wild strawberries, fresh raspberries, crushed wild flowers, and a dusting of white pepper that echoes on the finish. Tannins are lithe and sapid, gently hugging but never enforcing this pure wine. Very charming and characterful, and a new winemaker to watch. (gismondionwine.com)