VINTAGE: 2004
VARIETAL: 100% Shiraz
GENERAL: The Grapes were sourced from Helvetica Vineyard in the Helderburg, an area renowned for producing excellent quality Shiraz. Helvetica Vineyard is high up above Winery Road, with clear views of False Bay. It is subject to cooling Southerly sea breezes and is rarely excessively warm. 2004 was the 2nd harvest for this vineyard.
VINIFICATION: The Grapes were picked phenolically ripe at 24.7º Balling. They were destemmed but not totally crushed. A large percentage of the berries were fermented whole. A three day cold soak took place at 14ºC, before different tanks were inoculated with two different yeasts –'D0 ENOB13 and UCLM S377. Primary fermentation in small stainless steel tanks lasted forteen days with the temperature being kept below 25ºC. The new wine was macerated for a further three days on the skins after which it was gently pressed and racked into barrels. The barrels were 100% French oak, with a mix of 1/3 new wood, 1/3 2nd fill and 1/3 3rd fill. Malolactic Fermentation took place in barrel. After MLF, the wine was racked off the lees. A further two rackings took place during it' 'D5s seventeen months of barrel maturation. The wine was bottled at the end of October 2005, with a light gelatine fining and a very light filtration. Twenty four months of bottle ageing preceded labelling and release at the end of October 2007.
DESCRIPTION: Intense, deep plum extending from the core to the rim. The slightly shy nose opens up in the glass showing spicy nutmeg and vanilla notes accompanied by violets. On the palate concentrated blackberry fruit is overlain with intriguing spicy, black pepper notes. The silky, ripe tannins, provide good structure for extended maturation potential. The finish is long and soft.
WINE ANALYSIS:
ALCOHOL: 14.7 vol%
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 2.1g/l
pH: 3.78
TOTAL ACID: 5.76
MATURATION: Drinking well now, it has the structure and body to develop and improve further. Cellaring potential: a minimum of six years from date of harvest. further complexity over the next four years from date of harvest.