variety : Shiraz [ 100% Syrah ]
winemaker : Randolph Christians
wine of origin : Stellenbosch
analysis : alc : 14.29 % vol rs : 3.3 g/l pH : 3.63 ta : 5.3 g/l
type : Red wooded
pack : Bottle closure : Cork
in the vineyard : Winter 2007 was colder than usual, with more rain than in previous years: 637mm fell from May to August, versus 499mm and 517mm in 2006 and 2005 respectively. This boded well for good bud-break in spring, which occurred late but was even. The spring of the vintage year was cooler than previous years, with a slow drying-out of soil moisture. The soil reached its need for irrigation at the correct time, just prior to veraison (berry colouring). The rain in February and March 2008 was not really welcome, although it did coincide with the irrigation requirements of the tightly-monitored blocks. Cooler nights and warmer days took us into the harvest period, with a greater number of days reaching above 30°C than in the previous 4 years. Strong winds played havoc with the canopies, making a lot of work for the vineyard teams! Even ripening and consistent grape condition for both white and red varieties were evident; phenolic ripeness at lower sugars with fantastic acids (all natural) bode well for these varieties. When asked to sum up the 2008 vintage, the viticulture team was enthusiastic: "Superb, very good, very excited!"
Cultivar: 100% Syrah (all fruit from Rustenberg)
Situation: Simonsberg Mountain, Stellenbosch
Wine of Origin: Simonsberg-Stellenbosch
Altitude: 300m
Distance from sea: ± 25km
Soil Type: Oakleaf (Tukulu / Hutton)
Rootstock: 101-14 Mgt
Age of Vines: Planted in 2000
Trellising: Vertically shoot-positioned
Pruning: 2-bud Spur-pruning
Irrigation: Drip irrigation