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VINEYARD BLOCKS
The maiden vintage from an extraordinary new vineyard on the
Springfontein farm south of the Hermanus lagoon, within a
few kilometres of the whales of Walker Bay. The soil is pure
active limestone – unique in South Africa at this stage.
Four year old vines on a 5 wire trellis with moveable foliage
wires. Soil moisture carefully monitored and irrigated with
microjets as necessary to enhance quality. Yield 5 tons /
hectare.
VINTAGE CONDITIONS
The cool wet winter got the growing season off to an excellent
start with even budding and the rest of the season was relatively
trouble-free. The cool, dry weather leading up to the harvest
meant the grapes developed concentrated, complex flavours
that may take a while to develop in the bottle. The grapes
were picked in the cool mornings @ 22.4 – 23.3º
Balling.
Harvest dates: 13 / 2 / 03 - 20 / 2 / 03
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.
10% new American oak used. No malolactic fermentation.
Bottled unfiltered on the Mont Fleur property by hand with
only a light bentonite fining.
Bottling date : 3 / 12 / 03.
TASTING NOTES
An appealing pale yellow colour. The nose shows a chalky floral
character complimented by subtle vanilla oak and some minerality.
The palate is elegant with a subtle, complex richness and
long aftertaste. Probably best between 2003 and 2007.
Excellent with sushi, fish and seafood dishes, or on its own.
ANALYSIS
ALC. 13.9% SUGAR 1.2 TA 6.54
pH 3.39 VA 0.44 SO2 32 & 109
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