in the vineyard : Each of the 6 parcels is located on South-Westerly or Westerly slopes of the Perdeberg Mountain. Situated 70 kms as the crow flies directly North of Table Mountain. In close proximity to the cooling maritime breezes and the very cold waters of the South Atlantic. The Chenin & Viognier vineyards are dryland bushvines, whereas 1 of the 2 Chardonnay parcels is trellised. The Chenin parcels are between 40 - 55 years old, the Chardonnay 12, the Viognier 6. Yields were very low indeed, at an average over the three varieties of about 20 hl / ha.
2006 was the best vintage in a number of years. Relatively cool conditions in the Spring and early Summer, following good winter rains, led to a near-perfect flowering and extended ripening season. Fruit set was impeccable and the overall quality of the harvest was outstanding. Practically no grapes were discarded at picking and each varietal was in pristine shape. The great advantage of producing fruit from fabulous old bush vines for the large majority of this blend is that we are able to retain excellent minerality -through low PH's, good natural acidity and alcohols which are not out of balance. These old bushvines are accustomed to the heat and the toughness of this rugged environment and with many seasons under their belt, have struck-up a harmonious co-existence. Their root systems are extremely deep, as they have to go looking a long way for water, and plunge 12 - 15 metres into the granitic subsoils and bedrock below.