SUSARA

“Bright and perfumed aromas of black cherries, fresh plums, cassia bark, pomegranates and blood orange peel. A mid-weighted palate with finely integrated tannins and bright acidity, leading into a textural, focused and fresh mouthfeel. Plenty to like here from the premier release of this brand.” - James Suckling

  • Crafted with intention in the cool-climate soils of Carneros, this Pinot Noir balances depth and delicacy. Notes of black cherry, lavender, spice, and rose unfold with quiet confidence. Each bottle is a reflection of where we come from—and what we carry forward.

    • Appellation: Carneros AVA, Napa Valley

    • Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir

    • Clones Used: 115, 459, UCD Clone 12

    • Harvest Method: Hand-picked before first light

    • Farming Notes: Cool-climate site with shallow clay-loam soils over hardpan

    • Vintage: 2023

    • Barrels Produced: 44 barrels

    • Aging: 9 months in French oak barriques

    • Winemaking Notes: Partial whole cluster; native fermentation; gentle punchdowns

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  • A captivating Pinot Noir that is both aromatic and inviting, it unfolds in layers of black cherry, wild bramble, and fragrant lavender.

  • Delicate layers of baking spice —clove, cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg— add warmth and complexity, while rose petal and a whisper of forest floor lend quiet sophistication.

  • Bright acidity enlivens the palate, and lifts the vibrant red and black fruit, while fine-grained tannins create a silky, refined texture.

  • A subtle earthiness and trace of minerality nod to the cool Carneros terroir, guiding the wine to a long, elegant finish.

“The 2023 Napa Carneros Pinot Noir from Dr. Marinda Kruger leans into a riper style, showcasing a fleshy texture and impressive fruit intensity.”

—John Frost, Laffort USA

Taste for yourself

THE SUSARA PROTEA

  • Often called a "Mini-Queen,' " the Susara protea is a striking bloom - a cross between P. Magnifica (the Queen) and P. Susannae. With soft grey-green leaves, salmon-pink petals, and a touch of black atop its cream-colored center, it's a flower that feels both bold and graceful.

  • The name Susara (pronounced sue-sar-uh) is of African-Dutch (Afrikaans) origin and means princess. In South Africa, Sarie is the affectionate nickname for Susara, a name passed down through generations - it is the name of our own family’s matriarch, and of her grandmother before her, for whom she was named. Today, it lives on not only in our family, but also on every bottle of our estate Pinot Noir.

  • So why the protea on our Susara wine label? We have two beloved Sarie's in our family and this wine is named not only after our family members, but after the Susara protea as well - a nod to both our South African roots and the beauty of resilience.

A note from Dr. Marinda Kruger…

I’ve worked with Pinot Noir across the globe, and over time, I’ve come to understand its rhythm. It is a grape that demands respect and patience—and gives back in nuance and elegance. Some call it the “heartbreak grape,” but for me, it is a source of joy and discovery. I have been honored with recognition for my work with Pinot, but the true reward lies in the quiet moments—when a wine like Susara comes together and tells a story worth sharing.

Susara is crafted not by formula but by intuition, timing, and mindfulness. Each decision made reflects the site, the vintage, and the legacy that it honors.

-Consulting Wine Maker for SUSARA