“My philosophy is not so much a rubric. It’s more that I try to make wines that reflect the sense of place, making them in a way that is non-interventionist; it’s to try and reflect those qualities in the glass.”
Born and raised in the UK, Richard travelled extensively, making wine in Chile, California, Hungary, Germany and Bordeaux. In Bordeaux, he helped co-produce a book about the smaller vigneron of the Gironde. In 1999, Richard settled in South Africa and worked at Mulderbosch Vineyards, Nelson Estate and Kanu before rejoining Mulderbosch in 2009. He established Richard Kershaw Wines in January 2012 to create clonally selected, site-specific, cool climate wines in the Elgin Valley, the country’s coolest wine region, choosing to focus on apposite noble grapes (ones with the ability to produce world-class examples) and now has a stable of award-winning wines focused on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah.
One of only 11 international Masters of Wine who actively make their own wines and South Africa’s only winemaking Master of Wine, Richard is much in demand when not in the vineyard or cellar.
100% Chardonnay
Wine of Origin Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge
The grapes are sourced from a block in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Made only from clone CY548 typical for giving stony, meaty and robust flavours. Hand-picked and whole bunch pressed, the wine undergoes a wild ferment, 12 months in Burgundy-coopered barrels and is assessed every eight weeks. Its low sulphites allow it to be designated a natural wine, yet it has the extract and low pH to age over the medium term.
Tasting Notes: A mid-lemon hue with prominent ripe orange and tangerine notes enveloped in distinct oaky spices with a floral twist. Slowly, the wine reveals more citrus and stewed peach, which add allure. The palate is penetrating with remarkable purity and focus. There’s an impressive depth to the mid-palate, supported by a line of horizontal bracing acidity that adds structure. A more linear style, the wine has intensity and precision with flavours of peach, lemon, smashed almond and cashew nut with a lighter oak influence. Its long and precise finish is characterized by a chiselled elegance, and the wine closes with a juicy and impactful impression reminiscent of stewed quince. It will reward cellaring.
Ready for drinking from 2026 to 2030.
Winemaker: Richard Kershaw
100% Pinot Noir
Wine of Origin Elgin
The Vertiginous Pinot Noir, made from the rare Clone 52, originates from the steep, dryland slopes of central Elgin. Clone 52 is known for producing wines with a balanced profile of lightness, delicate floral notes and a distinctive tannic structure. The delestage process used for extraction enriches its depth and colour, while natural malolactic fermentation in Burgundy barrels provides a creamy, balanced finish, enhancing the age-ability of this wine.
Tasting Notes: This wine has a mid-ruby, vibrant colour and attractive fragrant cherry blossom, wild strawberries, and a hint of violets, interwoven with subtle notes of camphor, pine forest and spice. A penetrating entry, the palate reveals red cherry and baking spices that unfurl in the mouth. A seamless blend of bright acidity and fine-grained tannin builds structure, culminating in a chalk-edged length. With focus and precision, this delicate wine drives a long, mineral finish.
Ready for drinking from 2025 to 2031
Winemaker: Richard Kershaw
100% Chardonnay
Wine of Origin Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge
Tasting Notes: Elevated aromas of apple, mineral, citrus and oat bran. Tightly wound, precise, linear, gently massaged with light oak spices. Mouth cleansing acidity with a crème fraiche and oatmeal texture.
Ready for drinking from 2025 until 2030.
Winemaker: Richard Kershaw
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