in the vineyard : 2 Mature, trellised vineyards, both in the premium, maritime Stellenbosch Appellation : one on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain the other in Devon Valley –both overlooking False Bay and towards the South Pole, over the Atlantic Ocean. The soils are composed principally of deposed granite, which give rise to the excellent minerality of the wine, its sound balance as well as its spicy flavours. The Helderberg fruit gives more structure and minerality; Devon Valley riper fruit.
Green harvest thinning was carried-out sufficiently early in the growing cycle, allowing for focused development of a smaller yield (+/- 50 hl / ha). 2008 was a great all-round vintage, with some of the best Shiraz we have seen for a number of years. Plentiful winter rains were followed by evening flowering, a wonderful spring and a Summer which was distinctly less hot than the previous year. The grapes had beautifully ripe flavours with lovely balance, which is reflected in the wine itself which is extremely approachable.