Team Argaux Favorite

2020 Cargaux Pinot Noir

Responsibly Farmed
Hidden Gem
Classic in Style

This cool climate Pinot Noir was handmade by Chase Carhartt, Nathalia and Hannes Storm (Storm Wines) in the heart of South Africa’s Western Cape. It has the texture of Burgundy, the fruit of California, and the unique minerality of South Africa. A true dream team creation!

Sustainable farming practices, hand-harvested, native yeast fermentation, and only 150 cases produced.

Red
  • Tasting Notes rose petal, pomegranate, crushed stone, red tea, elderberry, red plum, orange peel, clove
  • Variety Pinot Noir
  • Region South Africa, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
  • Volume 750ml
  • Alcohol Volume 13.5%
  • Table Talk This is a personal project and partnership between the Argaux team and longtime friend and winemaker, Chase Carhartt.

The Argaux team first met Chase Carhartt, a winemaker for Carhartt Family Wines in the Santa Ynez Valley, in 2015 during a visit to the Central Coast. We were captivated by the vibe and energy of their intimate tasting room and immediately bonded with Chase and the Carhartt family. Since our passion for wine instilled a lifelong friendship, we naturally began brainstorming on ways we could collaborate. Chase—initially drawn to South Africa (SA) because of its history and emerging wine culture—has been working alongside the Storm Wines SA team for the last three years, barreling his own Pinot Noir and Syrah. As Chase was putting his first personal project into barrel, we were able to begin importing. Timing was perfect and we couldn’t be more excited to work with Chase and bring this incredible wine stateside.

“In my opinion, South Africa’s Western Cape is one of the most intriguing wine regions on the planet. What initially attracted me to this part of the world is the combination of the country’s history in wine alongside a new and unique identity that is emerging current day. Here, the melting pot of culture, language, and philosophy is unprecedented. After three vintages working with the team at Storm Wines S.A., I was finally able to craft small lots of both Pinot Noir and Syrah to showcase a taste of what the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, in South Africa’s Western Cape, has to offer.” — Chase Carhartt

Get to know our winemakers, why we love them, and why it is more important than ever to support them.

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PINOT NOIR
This elusive and delicate light-bodied grape is a winegrowers dream, but can be difficult to achieve. Stubborn, yet flirtatious, Pinot Noir is tantalizing creating a beautiful dance between the grape and the winemaker. The resulting light red wine can be nothing short of spectacular. Loved for its red fruit and spicy characteristics, its also a great food partner. Look for notable regions including Burgundy, France, Central Coast or Sonoma in CA, Willamette Valley in Oregon, and Pfalz or Baden in Germany as well as many other regions around the world in New Zealand, Australia, Chile, and Argentina.

HEMEL-EN-AARDE, WALKER BAY, SOUTH AFRICA
Hemel-en-Aarde is a small ward within the famous Walker Bay district, an area well exposed to the ocean on the Cape South Coast of South Africa. Although tiny, this area is known for some of the best fruit and wines. With high potential for cool-climate wines, you’ll find great quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir here. Due to the small region being fairly spread out, producers here can be very individualized and unique.