La Brune is Nico and Christelle Grobler’s label in the Elgin Valley, part of the Cape South Coast. The focus is on cool climate Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and a Sauvignon Blanc in The Valley range. The style leans Burgundian. Detailed work in the vineyard, careful clonal selection and a strong feel for Elgin’s sandstone soils set the tone. In the cellar Nico uses spontaneous ferments, small batches and mostly older French oak to keep the wines tight, mineral and dry rather than showy or sweet. Volumes sit at roughly 5 000 cases a year, with fruit from both their own high density estate plantings and selected Elgin sites. The aim is clear. Serious, precise Elgin wines that show place first, variety second.