Description
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
In the Vineyard:
The grapes were handpicked from Block 13, which is home to shiraz vines over 30 years old, and protected from the sea breeze by a row of pine trees. The block was picked very slowly and carefully from midday into the afternoon to ensure warmer grape temperatures upon intake. All leaves and excess stem are removed from the bunch before being processed.
The vineyards are situated 200m above sea level, and just 7km from the ocean, with soil types of Oakleaf.
In the Cellar:
The bunches are left in the sun until late afternoon before being sorted and added to a stainless-steel tank, where the higher temperatures initiate the fermentation. Carbon Dioxide is added to the tank, creating an anaerobic environment. The tank is closed and left for 10 days to allow carbonic fermentation. The fruit weight naturally presses the lower bunches releasing juice in a very gentle fashion and any intact berries begin fermentation intracellularly.
After fermentation, the wine was pressed off the skins and aged for 16 months in 30% new American oak and 20% new French oak.
Technical Analysis: Alc: 14% | TA: 6.0g/l | pH 3.56 | RS: 4.2g/l
Viticulture:
Climate | Stellenbosch |
Aspect | South facing slopes |
Soil type | Tukulu, decomposed granite |
Clones | SH99, SH21A |
Rootstock | 101-14, Richter 99 |
Planting date | 1999 |
HA planted | 5.56 ha |
Average tonnage | 6 tons/ha |
Irrigation | Drip irrigation |
Trellis system | Extended Perold, 7 Strand |