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(Worthy successor to the 2001 - Winner of the 2002 Chenin
Blanc Wine Challenge)
VINEYARD BLOCKS
1 block ( Keerweder ) 30 year
old vines on a 4 wire trellis on neighbouring cool high altitude
SW slope. Deep red Hutton soil with good moisture retention.
Unirrigated. Yield 3 tons / hectare.
VINTAGE CONDITIONS
The growing season was particularly difficult, with early
season downy mildew problems. The cool wet weather leading
up to the harvest favoured the development of botrytis, which
adds to the wine's complexity. The grapes were picked in the
cool mornings @ 21 - 22.5 degrees balling.
Harvest date: 20 / 2 / 02 - 11 / 3 / 02
PRODUCTION
Grapes lightly crushed and allowed 2 hours skin contact before
gently pressing in a traditional basket press. Sulphur and
dry ice added and natural settling allowed for 2 days before
100 % barrel fermentation with natural
yeasts.
All the wine kept in 225 l casks for 8 months with lees stirred
1 - 2 times a month initially.
25 % new oak used - mostly American. Partial malolactic fermentation.
Bottled unfiltered on the property by hand with only a light
bentonite fining.
Bottling date : 18 / 10 / 02.
TASTING NOTES
The nose shows attractive mineral, honey, citrus and hay flavours
with well integrated spicy vanilla oak. This follows through
to the palate with a mouthwatering thread of acidity that
carries the complex fruit and oak flavours to a long, refreshingly
dry aftertaste.
This excellent food wine is particularly good with rich fish
and seafood dishes, various canapés or simply enjoy
on its own before a meal.
ANALYSIS
ALC. 13.52 SUGAR 1.9 TA 7.4 pH
3.18 VA 0.4 SO2 29 & 100
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