variety : Sauvignon Blanc [ 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Semillon ]
winemaker : Andries Burger
wine of origin : Elgin
analysis : alc : 13.44 % vol rs : 3 g/l pH : 3.27 ta : 6.9 g/l
type : White style : Dry taste : Fruity organic
pack : Bottle size : 750ml closure : Screwcap
in the vineyard : 15.3 hectares are under Sauvignon blanc, which equates to 23% of the total plantings of Paul Cluver Wines. Vines range in age from 5 to 16 years. The first plantings were in 1993, the latest in 2004. French and New Zealand clones have been planted (316, 317, 242, 159, 11 and 215) providing a range of characteristic flavours including tropical fruit, fig and green pepper. The soil is predominantly Bokkeveld shale. Slopes are of various aspects but mostly South and South East facing. Vineyards range in height from 280m to 480m above sea level.
about the harvest: 2015 was very dry season but not warm, we experienced some of the coolest night temperatures of the past 8 years. Due to the dry summer, harvesting was quite early, starting on the 5th of February and finishing the 24th of February, earliest ever. Picking of the grapes took place at night – starting at Ten O’clock in the to ensure the grapes are cool, this also helped to logistical management at the cellar. Grapes came in at sugars of 21-23 ° Brix, with acidities between 6.5and 8.8 g/l.
in the cellar : The aim is elegance, balance and expression of terroir. Vintage conditions and the quality of the grapes dictate decisions made in the cellar - there are no fixed rules or recipes that are followed. Dry ice is used abundantly.
Skin contact prior to fermentation is done to extract flavor and reduce acidity – duration varies. Pressing is always gentle. Only free run juice is fermented. Different yeast strains were tried out this year and the lees stirring regime increased adding richness to the mid-palate. Total time on fine lees was five months. The Semillon component was fermented in a combination of stainless steel tanks, 3nd and 4th fill French oak barrels and a 2600 l Oak vat.
Release date July 2015
Production 10800 cases (x12)