TASTING NOTES
Michelangelo Awards 2004 - Gold
For a first crop shiraz this wine shows an intensity of colour usually associated with fruit from more established vines, bright crimson hues set around a deep core. This hints at the rich spicy aromas which follow on the nose, a trademark of well-managed young shiraz fruit throughout the world, combining whiffs of cigar box and mocha with white pepper and eucalyptus. A restricted crop of small, intensely flavoured berries provides a concentration and mouthfeel which is both upfront and velvety. To this is added a fine coating of sweet and supple fruit tannin from the 2004 vintage, giving a final blend of both structure and delicacy around a core of spiced brambly fruits.
IN THE VINEYARD
Location: North West slopes of the Helderberg
Altitude: 390 m
Distance from sea: ±10 km
Soil type: Hutton (decomposed granite)
Rootstock: 101/14
Age of vines: 3 years
Trellising: VSP / double cordon
Pruning: 2 node spurs
THE HARVEST
The grapes were harvested at 5 tons at 24° Balling on 25th February 2003.
IN THE CELLAR
Closed tank fermentation below 23°C with light aerative pump-overs 3 times daily for 7 days. We used Lalvin L1103 yeast at a dosage of 200-mg/l. Malolactic fermentation in oak. Regular racking. Light earth filtration at bottling. 11 months barrel maturation (50% new, ½ French, ½ American).
Bottled: 21 June 2004.
Production: 350 x 12 cases
AGEING POTENTIAL
Up to 2 years.
BLEND INFORMATION
93% Shiraz, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon
ACCOLADES
Michelangelo Awards 2004 - Gold
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