SOUTH AFRICA
de Trafford `Elevation 393`
2000 Blend
Viticulture
| Vineyard: |
High up on the eastern slopes of the Helderberg mountain. |
| Soil Type: |
Soil deep red decomposed granite - Hutton type. |
| Vine Age: |
5 and 6 year old vines |
| Irrigation: |
Drip Method |
| Harvest Date: |
19-28 February 2002. |
| Yield: |
|
Vinification:
Handpicking into 20 kg lugboxes. 100% destemming and gentle crushing directly into open top fermenters. Spontaneous natural yeast fermentation @ max. temp. 31°C - 33°C. Time on skins 9 - 11 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. This helps to integrate the new oak and fix color and flavor compounds. Mostly new French oak used, the best barrels were selected for this reserve wine. Time in barrel 21 months, which included several rakings to gradually clarify the wine and assist maturation.
This wine was bottled by hand, unfined or unfiltered, on the property.
Cabernet Sauvignon 50%, Merlot 33%, Shiraz 17%.
Bottling date: 4 January 2002.
Production: 1062 bottles; 482 magnums.
Tasting Notes:
| Color: |
Impressive deep red / purple color. |
| Nose: |
Lush blackberry and spicy fruitcake aromas. |
| Palate: |
Dense tannins and intense fruit provide a rich, supple, almost thick texture. |
| Other: |
Needs time to show hidden complexity. Long finish. Probably best between 2005 and 2014. Ideal with rich, roasted or grilled red meat dishes. |
Chemical Analysis:
| Alc (%): |
15.26 |
| RS (g/l): |
2.0 |
| TA (g/l): |
5.3 |
| pH: |
3.47 |
