SOUTH AFRICA
de Trafford `Elevation 393`
2005 Blend
Viticulture
| Vineyard: |
Mont Fleur Vineyard, situtated high up on the eastern slopes of the Helderberg Mountain. |
| Soil Type: |
Deep red decomposed granite - Hutton type. |
| Vine Age: |
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot 11 years old, Shiraz 10 years old. |
| Irrigation: |
No irrigation |
| Harvest Date: |
Cabernet Sauvignon 8-10 March, Merlot 24 February and Shiraz 22 February 2005. |
| Yield: |
4 & 5 T/ha. |
Vinification:
VINTAGE CONDITIONS
Slightly below average winter rain was followed by above average spring rain. This allowed for good growth up to flowering and was followed by hot and dry conditions during berry enlargement, ensuring smaller berries. Substantial rain (75mm) in January was beneficial for the grapes, ensuring they ripened evenly through the hot and dry weeks leading up to the harvest, producing a big, rich, concentrated wine.
WINE MAKING
This blended wine best reflects de Trafford magnificent vineyard site high up on the eastern slopes of the Helderberg mountain.
The vines are close planted ( 5000 to 7500 vines / ha.).
It is a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot and 14% Shiraz.
Best barrels quality were selected for this reserve wine.
Hand picked into 20 kg lugboxes. 100% destemming and gentle crushing directly into open top fermenters. Spontaneous natural yeast fermentation at a temperature between 29°C - and 31°Centigrade. Left 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.
Malolactic fermentation in the barrel, which helps to integrate the new oak and fix color and flavor compounds. Mostly new French oak used. Matured for 22 months in barrel , which included several rackings to gradually clarify the wine and assist maturation.
This wine was bottled by hand, unfined and unfiltered, on the property.
Tasting Notes:
| Color: |
Attractive deep red colour. |
| Nose: |
Smoky blackcurrant and spicy fruitcake aromas. |
| Palate: |
Already well knit structure with dense tannins and rich, complex fruit. Lovely texture. Probably best between 2009 and 2020. |
| Other: |
Low sulfites – could qualify for an organic wine.
Ideal with rich, roasted or grilled red meat dishes. |
Chemical Analysis:
| Alc (%): |
14.83 |
| RS (g/l): |
2.2 |
| TA (g/l): |
5.6 |
| pH: |
3.7 |
