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The second vintage to be released under the entirely new
category "Wine from naturally dried grapes", recently
formed by the Wine and Spirit Board specifically to accommodate
this wine and others to follow.
VINEYARD BLOCKS
1 block 25 year old vines on neighbouring cool high altitude
SW slope. Unirrigated. Yield 6 tons / hect. 2nd block 11 year
old vines. Montpellier clone on 101 - 14 rootstock. Lower
Helderberg slopes. Lightly irrigated to relieve stress. Yield
8 tons / hect.
Harvest date: 2 / 2 / 98 - 23 / 2 / 98 @ 22.5 - 24.8°
balling.
VINTAGE CONDITIONS
The warm, dry conditions produced a small crop of excellent
quality. These conditions continued during the drying process
producing very sweet, concentrated grapes.
PRODUCTION
The grapes were picked at optimum ripeness ( approx. 25 deg.
balling ) and laid out on drying racks in 80% shade for 3
weeks. This allows the grapes to concentrate sugars, acids
and flavours, before reharvesting in the cool mornings.
Matured for one year using 3 French and 2 American new 225
l oak barrels.
Racked while in barrel to remove heavy sediment and lightly
bentonite fined before bottling unfiltered.
Bottling date : 8 / 6 / 99.
TASTING NOTES
Attractive deep yellow colour.
Intense honey, apricot, nuts and citrus nose.
The palate is incredibly concentrated with a welcome dryness
from the acidity and oak tannins.
Long, lingering finish.
This wine is a dessert all on its own - a real treat after
the meal. Delicious with biscotti and various nuts. Try with
carrot cake on a wintery afternoon. Compliments foeie-gras
and good pate's beautifully.
BIRTHING BOOZE
In parts of France it is traditionally the first drink to
have after giving birth !
ANALYSIS
Alc.11.69 Sug. 221.5 TA 8.2
pH 3.79 VA 1.8 SO2 40/234
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