The 2007 vintage could well prove to be the best vintage of the first decade of the 21st century. Long even ripening with cool temperatures and balanced fruit coming into the cellar. With a higher percentage of our own grapes coming in, the benefit of dry land farming is starting to show. Smaller berries, better flavour intensity and great natural acidity means that the wine makes itself.
Malolactic fermentation took place on the skins where after the wine was pressed and put into 95% French Oak and 5% Hungarian Oak barrels. 25% of these barrels were new with the rest being 2nd, 3rd and 4th fill.
Tasting Notes
Appearance
Deep purple, vibrant and youthful.
Nose
Spice and dark fruit dominate the nose with hints of liquorice.
Palate
Plums and spice on entry, concentrated fruit sweetness with cloves and cinnamon. Great balance of fruit and tannin lead to a long dry finish.
Grapes were sourced from three vineyard sites
Bot River, Luddite harvested on 11th February 2007.
Bot River, Ou Meul harvested on 23rd February 2007.
Bot River, Luddite harvested on 27th February 2007.
Bottelary, Stellenbosch harvested on 14th March 2007.
Average analysis of fruit at harvest
24.85° Balling, TA – 5.75 g/l, pH – 3.75
Analysis of the wine
Alcohol: 14%
pH: 3.56
TA: 5.8 g/l
RS: 2.9 g/l
23 000 bottles of this vintage were produced.
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