Harvest date: 11 February 2003 In the vineyard: This dry farmed vineyard was planted in 1995, using Shiraz clone SH9A, grafted onto rootstock R110. The deep Glenrosa soil type, retains soil moisture well, and ripens the crop early without stressing, during our long hot summers. Planted in a North – Westerly facing rocky outcrop, the vines are pruned to a “bosstok” or bush vine. Depending on the growth, the vine is pruned to between 3 and 5 bearers per vine. Summer canopy management including a topping, which will reduce wind damage and green cropping at 80% veraison to ensure even ripening. The vineyard is regularly visited during the ripening period and tested by tasting, visual and analytical examination to determine exact picking date. Oenological Treatment: Grapes were harvested fully ripe at 26ºB. The fruit was destalked and lightly crushed. The must was then chilled and cold soaked for two days. Fermentation took place in open 500 litre new French oak barrels, during which manual punch downs were conducted three times daily. Post fermentation maceration for six days. Wine is pressed, and malolactic fermentation was completed in barrel. The wine was then racked, lightly sulphured and returned to 40% new French oak, with the remainder in used French oak barrels. The wine spent a total of 16 months in oak. Wine Makers Tasting Notes: The 2003 vintage was again a warm vintage yielding ripe full flavoured wines. This vineyard is naturally low in vigor. The wine is amongst the most complex and interesting expressions of Shiraz in the Cape. Colour: Dark ruby red. Aroma: Black cherries dark fruit and cedar. Overtones of leather and cinnamon, with whiffs of white pepper and cloves. Palate: Bold, with firm acid and good oak integration. The wine is complex, with a good balance of fruit and tannin, showing good maturation potential. Cellaring: This wine will mature beautifully over five to seven years.
WINE ANALYSIS:
Alcohol 15.15% Residual Sugar 3.3g/l Total Acidity 6.2g/l pH 3.53
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