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A difficult year with lots of untimely rain, infamous in Stellenbosch for its downy mildew attacks in spring and its heat waves during February. Luckily we got unharmed through the difficult phases, though the water management in the vineyard was difficult. But eventually the crop - harvested on the 7th of March - was exceptionally healthy, with a good sugar/acid ratio.
After alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks and extended maceration on the skins for eight days , the
Merlot went for malolactic fermentation and further maturation for one year into 225-l French oak barrels (35% new, balance second and third fill).
Complemented with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon for greater complexity. 6100 bottles have been
produced.
Tasting notes:
- well balanced, with good colour and fine texture, elegant and complex,
with perfectly integrated oak
with beautiful fruit and flavour of cherries, hints of tea and cape herbs, chocolate and toasty vanilla
dense structure as base for a good aging potential
Ratings:
GOLD MEDAL La Séléction at the Basler Weinmesse 2004, Switzerland
CLASSIC WINE TROPHY 2003 (South Africa, assessed by French judges): Silver medal
FAIRBAIRN CAPITAL TROPHY WINE SHOW 2004 (South Africa): Bronze medal
WINE Magazine Dec/2003 (South Africa): 3 stars
JOHN PLATTER 2004 (South Africa): 3 1/2 stars, comment "certainly a label to watch"
WEINWISSER March/2004 (Switzerland): 16/20,
comment “excellent value!”
Recommendations:
opens up nicely as from mid 2004, though can be exspected to mature well
over the next 5 years. Partners well with red meat and cheese
Analysis :
alcohol 13,8 vol%; total extract 31,9 g/l; residual sugar 1,7 g/l;
acidity 6,4 g/l; pH 3,4
>>>back
>>>the 2003 vintage
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