Vineyard Blocks

Exclusively from our mountainside vineyard 400m above sea level. 

8 yr old vines, clones PN115 & PN777 on R99 rootstock.

Vines trained high off the ground with 5 wire vertical trellis to reduce air temperature. Rows 1.5m wide. Vine density 7000 vines/ha. Lightly irrigated on hot days to cool the vineyard and relieve stress. Yield 4 tons/ha. 

 

Vintage Conditions

A cool, late spring followed by a few days of very hot weather in early January that caused some sunburn.  The harvest took place in warm, but good conditions producing healthy grapes and a big, robust and full flavoured wine. 

Harvest date: 13/2/04 @ 25.5° Balling.

 

Production

Spontaneous natural yeast fermentation started after 4 days cold soak. Fermented up to max. 31ºC. The cap of skins was punched down manually 1 - 4 times a day for 14 days. Wine drained directly into 2 x 225L second fill French oak barrels together with a single pressing from traditional basket press. All our red wines undergo malolactic fermentation in the barrel. 

Time in barrel 19 months with only a single racking.

Bottling date: 6/10/2005.

Production: 45 x 12 x 750ml

 

Tasting Notes

Attractive ruby colour. Complex spicy cherry, cranberry and slightly earthy aroma. Interesting sweet/sour texture to the palate highlights the complex spice and fruit flavours.  Should harmonize over the next few years - probably best between 2006 and 2012. Should accompany a wide variety of meals from rich seafood to venison casserole.

 

Analysis

Alc.  15.28             Sugar  1.8            TA  4.9             VA  0.67            pH  3.92           SO2   29  -  59