The drier weather meant healthy grapes of excellent quality delivered to the cellar but due to the moderate growth and high wind, the berry size was reduced allowing for a smaller crop with excellent concentration of flavor and color.

Vineyards

Shiraz is by nature a vigorous grower, so a 6-wire Perold system is used to manage the canopy. Our Shiraz is planted in deep Karoo and Shale soils that are rich in lime. An average of  7 to 12 tons of fruit was harvested per hectare during the fourth week of February from 35 specially selected grape growers in the Robertson Valley. This rich lime content ensures a healthy growing medium. Bunch size is kept below 120 grams per bunch to ensure concentration of fruit.

Wine-making

Grapes were harvested at full ripeness between 24,5° - 26,5°B from a selection of vineyards with the average age of vines between 7 and 9 years. The wine was fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks at 28°C for 9 days to retain a delicate fruit component and to add body and weight. Eighty percent of the wine was aged on French Oak and twenty percent on American Oak for 6 months.

Winemaker's comment

This full-bodied wine shows freshly crushed black pepper aromas with hints of cinnamon and cloves on the nose with lots of brambly red berry fruit, rich mulberry and well integrated vanilla tones. Enjoy now with roast beef, stews, lamb, venison, pasta and steak.

Vintage                                   2010

Region                                    Robertson

WINEMAKER                            Lolly Louwrens

YIELD (ton/ha)                        7 - 12 Tons

Alcohol                                   13,58%

Total Acidity                          5,0

Fermentation Temp               28°C

Cellaring Potential                 2 - 3 YEARS