Description
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot
In the Vineyard: The grapes are handpicked from five blocks on the farm resting on south facings slopes with a proximity to the ocean that guarantees fresh natural acidity and mineral salinity. These vineyard blocks are protected from the powerful Cape Doctor wind by a eucalyptus forest.
The vineyards are situated 200m above sea level, and just 7km from the ocean, with soil types of Tukulu and Oakleaf.
In the Cellar: The grapes from each block were picked and treated separately utilizing both stainless steel tanks as well as 5000L truncated open top casks. Each was cold-soaked for four days prior to fermentation.
After fermentation, the Cabernet Sauvignon component underwent a two-week post fermentation maceration, to ensure a solid tannic structure before a 22-month barrel aging period. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot components are matured in 100% new French oak, while the other varietals were matured in second fill French oak. Only the best barrels of each component were selected for the Bordeaux blend.
Analysis: Alc: 14% | pH: 3.5 | TA: 5.6 g/l | RS: 3.52 g/l
Viticulture:
Climate | Coastal |
Aspect | South facing slopes |
Soil type | Tukulu, decomposed granite |
Clones | CS163, CS46C, CS15,169 |
Rootstock | 101-14 |
Planting date | 1999 |
HA planted | 5.84 ha |
Average tonnage | 4 tons/ha |
Irrigation | Drip irrigation |
Trellis system | Extended Perold, 7 Strand |
Total Production | 12 barrels |