SOUTH AFRICA
de Trafford `Elevation 393`
1999 Blend
Viticulture
| Vineyard: |
High up on the eastern slope of the Helderberg Mountain. |
| Soil Type: |
Deep red decomposed granite-Hutton type. |
| Vine Age: |
5 and 4 year old. |
| Irrigation: |
Drip Method |
| Harvest Date: |
23 February to 23 March 1999. |
| Yield: |
|
Vinification:
de Trafford changed the name of the Reserve to Elevation 393 in 2000.
Handpicking into 20 kg lugboxes. 100% destemming and gentle crushing directly into open top fermenters. Spontaneous natural yeast fermentation @ max. temp. 30°C - 33°C. Time on skins
10 - 14 days, with cap of skins punched down (pigeage) 1 - 4 times a day. Wine drained directly to barrels together with single pressing from traditional basket press.
All our red wine undergo malolactic fermentation in the barrel. The best barrels were selected for this reserve wine.
This helps to integrate the new oak and fix color and flavor compounds. Mostly new French oak used. Time in barrel 21 months, which included several rakings to gradually clarify the wine and assist maturation.
The wine was lightly fined with fresh egg whites before bottling by hand on the property.
Cabernet Sauvignon 51%, Merlot 25%, Shiraz 24%
Bottling date: 20 December 2000.
Production: 390 bottles; 371 magnums.
Tasting Notes:
| Color: |
Impressive deep red / purple color. |
| Nose: |
Lush blackberry, plum aromas spiced with a little exotic gaminess. |
| Palate: |
Dense tannins and well integrated oak. Needs time to show hidden complexity. Long finish. |
| Other: |
Probably best between 2004 and 2012. Ideal with rich, roasted or grilled red meat dishes. |
Chemical Analysis:
| Alc (%): |
14.2 |
| RS (g/l): |
2.1 |
| TA (g/l): |
5.5 |
| pH: |
3.66 |
