SOUTH AFRICA
de Trafford `Elevation 393`
2004 Blend
Viticulture
| Vineyard: |
|
| Soil Type: |
Deep red Hutton, decomposed granite. |
| Vine Age: |
Cabernet Sauvignon 10 years old, Merlot 10 years old and Shiraz 9 years old. |
| Irrigation: |
Lightly irrigated |
| Harvest Date: |
1 March - 22 March 2004. |
| Yield: |
|
Vinification:
This blended wine best reflects our magnificent vineyard site high up on the eastern slopes of the Helderberg mountain. The vines are close planted ( 5000 to 7500 vines / hect.) The best barrels were selected for this reserve wine:
- Cabernet Sauvignon 60%
- Merlot 27%
- Shiraz 13%
VINTAGE CONDITIONS
The spring was cool and late with good, even budburst. Very few hot days in early January, but generally the ripening season was relatively cool and dry and nearly 2 weeks later than usual.
PRODUCTION
Hand picked and placed into 20kg lugboxes. 100% destemming and gentle crushing directly into open top fermenters. Spontaneous natural yeast fermentation takes place at 29 to 31°Celcius. Time on skins 12 to 15 days, with cap of skins punched down (pigeage) 1 to 4 times a day. Wine drained directly to barrels together with single pressing from traditional basket press. All de Trafford red wines undergo malolactic fermentation in the barrel. This helps to integrate the new oak and fix colour and flavour compounds. Mostly new French oak used. Time in barrel 20 months, which included several rackings to gradually clarify the wine and assist maturation.
Tasting Notes:
| Color: |
Impressive deep red and purple. |
| Nose: |
Smoky blackcurrant and spicy fruitcake aromas. |
| Palate: |
Already well knit structure with dense tannins and rich, complex fruit. Lovely texture. |
| Other: |
Ideal with rich, roasted or grilled red meat dishes.
Probably best between 2008 and 2015. |
Chemical Analysis:
| Alc (%): |
14.56 |
| RS (g/l): |
3.3 |
| TA (g/l): |
5.5 |
| pH: |
3.49 |
