SOUTH AFRICA
de Trafford `Elevation 393`
2007 Blend
Viticulture
| Vineyard: |
Reflects de Trafford's magnificent vineyard site high up,393m Alt, on the eastern slopes of the Helderberg mountain. |
| Soil Type: |
Soil deep red decomposed granite, Hutton type. |
| Vine Age: |
13 years old. |
| Irrigation: |
Drip Method |
| Harvest Date: |
Cab Franc 15 February, Shiraz March 1st, Merlot 13 March and Cabernet Sauvignon 14 March. |
| Yield: |
3 to 6 T/Ha. |
Vinification:
VINTAGE CONDITIONS
Typical cold, wet winter followed by a normal growing season with enough rain and warm weather to produce good, balanced growth. The knife-edge harvest conditions with small heat waves alternating with short, wet, cold spells seemed to bring out a complex, less fruit driven character in the different varietals and accentuate the natural structure of the wine in quite an elegant way.
PRODUCTION
Handpicked in 20 kg lugboxes. 100% destemming and gentle crushing directly into open top fermenters. Spontaneous natural yeast fermentation at maximum temperature 29°C – 31°Centigrade. 12 to 15 days on the skins, with cap of skins punched down (pigeage) once to 4 times a day. Wine drained directly to barrels together with single pressing from traditional basket press.
Mostly new French oak used. 19 months barrel aging, which included several rackings to gradually clarify the wine and assist maturation.
This wine was bottled by hand, unfined and unfiltered, on the property.
This is a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 20% Shiraz and 13% Cabernet Franc.
Tasting Notes:
| Color: |
Attractive medium deep red color. |
| Nose: |
Forthcoming lifted aromas of fruitcake and tomato paste, cinnamon, cloves and smoky blackberry emerging too. |
| Palate: |
Shiraz component dominated by the Bordeaux varietals at this stage and new oak component nicely integrated. Elegant dry tannin running with the complex spicy fruit from beginning to end of a long fine finish. |
| Other: |
Best 2012 to 2020. Ideal with a variety of fine, roasted red meat dishes. |
Chemical Analysis:
| Alc (%): |
14.58 |
| RS (g/l): |
1.5 |
| TA (g/l): |
5.3 |
| pH: |
3.74 |
