Product Description
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Varieties
25% Roussanne
24% Chenin Blanc
23% Grenache Blanc
14% Chardonnay
14% Viognier
The Vineyard
Vertical shoot positioned vineyards allow for optimum ripening and ideal sunlight exposure of fruit. There is a good exposure of slopes to cooling Southern breezes off False Bay. Vineyards are established on slopes with soils of weathered granite and sandstone. Yields are controlled to between 7 and 8 tons per hectare.
The Harvest
2017 was another hot and dry vintage in the Cape. Although the daytime temperatures were warm, evening temperatures were much cooler than normal resulting in wines with incredible weight and texture, yet with great acidity and length. The dryness of the season resulted in minimal disease pressure with fruit arriving at the winery in very good condition.
The Cellar
Grape varieties were picked across a range of different ripeness levels, sorted and whole bunch pressed after pre- chilling. Fermentation occurred naturally in small French oak barrels and cement eggs. Total ageing was 10 months from vintage with blending occurring after 8 months. A light filtration and fining took place before bottling.
Winemaker : Carl van der Merwe
Alcohol content : 14.32%
TA : 5.1g/l
pH : 3.49
RS : 3.0g/l
Awards
2017
Silver 93 Points International Wine & Spirit Competition 2020
94 points Tim Atkin MW’s South African Report 2019
90 Points Decanter World Wine Awards 2019
91 Points International Wine Challenge 2019
2016
94 points Tim Atkin MW South Africa Report 2018
91 points Neal Martin for Vinous
2015
92 Points Wine Enthusiast Magazine & #98 on Wine Enthusiast Top 100 List 2017
95 Points Tim Atkin MW’s South Africa Report 2016
Platter’s 4 ½ Stars Platter Guide 2017
92 Points Cape White Blends Report 2016
2014
93 points Tim Atkin MW’s South African Report 2015
94 Points Cape White Blends Report 2016
92 points Neal Martin Wine Advocate
90+ points Stephen Tanzer’s Wine Cellar
Best White Blend under £15 International Trophy Decanter 2013
2013
Platter’s 5 stars Platter’s Guide 2015
Grand Gold SAWi 2014
93 points Stephen Tanzer’s Wine Cellar
92 points Tim Atkin MW South Africa Report 2014
90 points Neal Martin
Wine Advocate
90 points James Molesworth
Wine Spectator
2012
Platter’s 5 stars Platter’s Guide 2014
Gold Decanter 2013
White Wine of the Year Platter’s Guide 2014
Best White Blend under £15 Regional Trophy Decanter 2013
92 points Neal Martin Wine Advocate
