Description

Background

The majority of South Africa’s most prized vineyards are planted in comparatively sheltered locations on mountain foothills, near to the meeting point of the Atlantic and Southern or Indian Oceans. These sites are exposed to the ocean-influenced variable climatic conditions driven by extreme velocity winds, high humidity and low diurnal temperature ranges (warm nights). Combined with heavily leached soils, these contribute to naturally reduced crop sizes, enhancing both fruit flavours and wine structure.

Vineyard Locations

Cabernet Sauvignon The chosen block is planted in Durbanville’s 600 million year old schist soils, Facing south east on a slope that is partially sheltered from the summer winds and is just 3 miles from the Atlantic.

Merlot The vines are planted on a north west slope of a ridge in the foothills of the Helderberg mountain range, 4 miles from the Southern Ocean. The soils are granite based, also leached of fertility, and the site is cooled by exposure to moisture laden breezes, lengthening ripening and concentrating flavor.

Winemaking

Both varieties were fermented in open tanks, and given regular punch-down mixing of the cap of grape skins that rises to the top of the fermenting mash. Just before the wine was dry, the skins were pressed. The wine was allowed to ferment dry in a tank before the maturation phase. All of the wine was then barreled, where both varieties remained for 18 months, before blending, clarification and bottling.

Winemaker’s Comments

There are highlights of oak, honey and red fruit on the nose. The mouth feel shows a gentle tannin structure, while the finish shows red berries and a touch of citrus among the oak notes.

Analysis

Alcohol: 13.5%

RS: 2.75 gpl

TA: 5.6 gpl

pH: 3.49