Vineyard
SOURCE: This 2012 Shiraz was produced from fully ripe grapes harvested from Haut Espoir in the Franschhoek region.
WEATHER: Prior to ripening, the conditions were extremely dry. This however ensures great quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
HARVESTING: The grapes were hand harvested in the coolness of early mornings on 7th March.
Cellar
VINIFICATION: Grapes were de-stemmed, but not crushed, and transferred to open fermentation tanks. During the peal of fermentation, 5 punch downs per day were done. Post fermentation maceration was done for 1 month and then transferred to French Oak barrels, where it underwent Malolactic fermentation. Wine was matured in these barrels for 42 months before bottling.
Tasting & Analysis
TASTING NOTES: This Shiraz is a typical example of the terroir on the Scherpheuwelberg. White pepper and dark cherry are the dominant characters. Complexity is added from sensitive oaking and barrel maturation.
FOOD ACCOMPANIMENT: Rich stews, barbecued meat and matured hard cheeses. This wine is released ready to drink and will develop further with bottle ageing.
TECHNICAL ANALYSIS: Alc. 15.57% - pH 3.62 Total acid 5.9 g/l Residual Sugar 2.78 g/l
PRODUCTION: 3 225 bottles