variety : Shiraz [ Shiraz, Viognier ]
winemaker : Team Effort
wine of origin : Stellenbosch
analysis : alc : 15 % vol rs : 1.9 g/l pH : 3.7 ta : 4.6 g/l
type : Red style : Dry wooded
pack : Bottle closure : Screwcap
in the vineyard : The 2 parcels of vineyards which are dedicated to this wine are located on the Estate where we are based on the Helderberg Mountain in Stellenbosch. The Viognier is located on the medium slopes in a south-easterly aspect, while the Shiraz is on a south-westerly hillock facing Table Mountain in 1 corner and the ocean on the other. These are relatively young vines, new clones, planted to high density and cropped to low yields.
2006 was a really wonderful growing season, from an excellent flowering to the extended ripening season. There was plenty of rainfall during the season, accompanied by cooler than usual evenings, which allowed the grapes to grow and ripen in almost ideal conditions. We are never short of sun, so the balance was ensured. Bunch and grape sizes were relatively small and free of rot. The Viognier ripened earlier than the Shiraz and was beautifully healthy throughout. The berries were small and extremely aromatic to the taste.