Shiraz 2009

Elgin is one of the Cape’s coolest wine growing areas with favourable climatic, soil and topographic conditions.

The vineyards

These vineyards are positioned on east-facing slopes of which the soil is mainly Bokkeveld Shale. The vines are trellised and have access to supplementary irrigation.

Grape variety

100% Shiraz.

Winemaking

Harvest commenced on 28 March until 4 April. Grapes were harvested between 24.6°B and 25.4°B with a total acid of 6.55 g/l and a pH of 3.3 .

Fermentation was initiated in stainless steel tanks. The crushed grapes underwent a series of pump overs and punching after which the wine was racked off to tank and barrel to complete alcoholic fermentation. Malolactic fermentation took place in barrels.  This wine spent 14 months in 500 litre French oak of which 25% was new.

Bottled in July 2010.

Alcohol: 14%
Residual Sugar: 2.84 g/l
Total Acid: 5.29 g/l
pH: 3.54

Tasting notes

Red purple colour. Pure blackberry fruit with underlying white pepper, liquorice aromas and hints of violets. Elegant but concentrated palate with underlying cedar spice and a finely balanced tannin structure.