variety : Shiraz [ Shiraz (87%) Mourvedre (9%) Petit Verdot (4%) ]
winemaker : Francois Joubert
wine of origin : Stellenbosch
analysis : alc : 14.88 % vol rs : 2.7 g/l pH : 3.67 ta : 4.7 g/l
type : Red body : Medium taste : Fruity wooded
pack : Bottle size : 750ml closure : Cork
in the vineyard : Two vineyards of varying altitude, aspect and soil type are blended to create this wine. High potential Tukulu soils, found at the altitude of 150m above the sea, contribute moisture and nutrients to the vines. Southwest facing, the bunches receive direct sunlight only once per day. Working in concert with soil type and cooler climes, this aspect extends the ripening time. The vineyard at lower altitude is planted to Oakleaf soil, which is lower in potential and more rapidly draining. A measured amount of stress is placed on the vines, causing flavour to concentrate in the grapes. Adequate foliage cover, and east-west vineyard aspect minimises sun exposure, optimising ripening without charring the grapes. The vineyards are 16 years of age and yield at average of 6 tons per hectare.
about the harvest: The grapes are hand sorted and whole bunch macerated for three days. A rapid fermentation at 30° C, with 10% of grapes remaining in bunches, minimises extraction of tannin from the skin and seeds.
in the cellar : Malolactic fermentation occurs in tank, and the wine is transferred to barrel – 15% new; 80% French and 20% American. The wine resides in barrels for 20 months prior to blending and bottling.