Description
| Winemaker | Marius Malan |
| Vintage | 2007 |
| Cultivar | Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot |
| Origin | Stellenbosch |
| Vineyard Information | |
| Developed By | Jaco Mouton |
| Age of Vines | Cabernet Sauvignon: |
| Trellising | Five wire trellising |
| Pruning | Cordon with spurs |
| Soil | Deep Hutton, decomposed granite |
| Position | North-West facing slopes of Simonsberg on the farm Ernita and Slaley |
| Irrigation | Overhead sprinklers |
| Yield | Cabernet Sauvignon: 5.8 tons/ha, Merlot: |
| Harvest Date(s) | Merlot: 26 March 2007, Cabernet Sauvignon: 28 March 2007 |
| Wine Information | |
| Alcohol | 15.54 % |
| Ph | 3.70 |
| Acidity | 6.3 g/l |
| Free SO2 | 30 mg/l |
| Total SO2 | 122 mg/l |
| Total Extract | 36.2 g/l |
| Residual Sugar | 3.7 g/l |
| Fermentation | Fermentation took place in open fermenters. The Cabernet fermented at moderate temperatures (25-28ºC) and spent 14 days on skins before pressing. The Merlot fermented at higher temperatures and spent 28 days on the skins. Malolactic fermentation took place in barrel. The blend was made up prior to bottling. |
| Maturation | 28 months in wood (50% New oak) 100% French oak. |
| Fining | None |
| Filtration | 70 micron to bottle. |
| Comments | |
| Winemaker’s Comment | Open fermenters and natural fermentation are unique to this complex wine. It shows ripe fruit, opulent dark berry aromas, with soft spice notes. Integrated wood, mouth-puckering tannins means wine is still in its youth. Good ageing potential, age for 5 to 10 years depending on personal preference and dish. |
