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VINEYARD BLOCKS
80% from our new mountainside vineyard. Clones PN115 &
PN777 on R99 rootstock.
Vines trained high off the ground with 5 wire vertical trellis.
Rows 1.5m wide. Vine density 7000 vines/ha. Lightly irrigated
on hot days to cool the vineyard and relieve stress. Yield
5½ tons/ha.
20% from part of our original Mont Fleur block planted in
1983 for “home consumption” only. The Pinot Noir
vines represent a tiny area of approx. 0.1 ha – 5 wire
vertical trellis with 1.35m row width. Vine density 7500 vines/ha.
Soil red Hutton mostly. Clone BK5 on R99 rootstock. No irrigation.
Yield 3 tons/ha.
VINTAGE CONDITIONS
Exceptional vintage conditions. Dry, moderately hot summer
with very few excessively hot days. The harvest commenced
in perfect conditions with ripe, healthy grapes producing
big, but well balanced, intensely flavoured wines.
Harvest date: 5/2/03 & 19/2/03 @ 22.5° - 24.8°
balling.
PRODUCTION
Spontaneous natural yeast fermentation
started after 3 days cold soak. Fermented up to max. 30ºC.
The cap of skins was punched down manually 1 - 4 times a day
for 14 days. Wine drained directly into 5 x 225L barrels together
with single pressing from traditional basket press. 1 New
French oak, other 4 second fill.
All our red wines undergo malolactic fermentation in the barrel.
Time in barrel 16 months with only a single racking.
Bottling date: 20/7/03.
Production: 110 cases.
TASTING NOTES
Attractive ruby colour. Complex spicy dark cherry and appealingly
earthy aroma. Tight, finely textured palate will unfold great
complexity - probably between 2006 and 2014. Should accompany
a wide variety of meals from rich seafood to pan fried beef
fillet.
ANALYSIS
Alc. 14.3 Sugar 1.5 TA 4.8
VA 0.53 pH 3.62 SO2 28 - 57
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