“My father and grandfather planted Shiraz at Fairview as they felt that it would be well suited to the terroir in Paarl. In those days it was not popular or widely planted in this country and these early efforts went a long way to establishing Shiraz as a variety with huge potential. Early Fairview Shiraz bottlings from the 1970s are still drinking beautifully today and over the past three decades Shiraz has formed a cornerstone of our range both as a single varietal or as part of a blend. It continues to be our benchmark varietal.” Charles Back GOLD MEDAL WINNER AT CONCOURS MONDIAL DE BRUXELLES 2010 IN THE VINEYARD
Shiraz grapes are sourced from a number of sites. Some of the fruit is grown at Fairview on the south western slopes of Paarl Mountain. The Fairview Shiraz vineyards are primarily grown on decomposed granite soils and have drip irrigation. The other components of the blend are from dryland vineyards in Agter-Paarl on Malmesbury shale soils, two different sites in Stellenbosch and a small addition of Swartland fruit.
HARVEST DATE
Paarl & Agter-Paarl – second and third weeks of February 2008 Swartland – Third week of February 2008 Stellenbosch – First week of March 2008
WINEMAKING
Average yields of Shiraz were kept to below 7 tons per hectare through vigorous green harvesting earlier in the year. The ripe grapes were destalked but not crushed and Rhône yeasts were used for fermentation. Malolactic fermentation was completed in stainless steel tanks and the wine was then racked and sent to barrel for 14 months. The 2008 Shiraz was aged in a combination of French and American oak, with approximately 10% new wood being used. The barrels were then tasted individually, components were selected and blended to be bottled.
WINEMAKER’S COMMENTS
The 2008 vintage will be remembered for unseasonable rain and unpredictable weather making the vintage difficult for most producers. Fortunately, most of our vineyards are in drier areas which lessened the impact of the rain and lengthened the ripening season. This proved ideal for flavour development. The selection process, from vineyard to final product, was particularly important with this vintage. Our initial concerns about the vintage have proved to be unnecessary and the wines have surprised us all. I think that this may well be one of our best Shiraz vintages yet. Anthony de Jager
TASTING NOTE
Dark, dense red in the glass. Ripe, concentrated plum on the nose, with earthy nuances and notes of violet. The oak comes through as fragrant spice aromas, complementing the fruit. The fruit. The palate is well structured with firm, slightly chalky tannins suggesting good ageing potential. The finish is a delicate balance of fruit sweetness, spiced savoury character and lingering texture.
WINE ANALYSIS:
Wine of Origin Coastal Alcohol 14.38% Residual Sugar 2.7g/l Total acid 6.0g/l pH 3.57
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