CONCERTO 2008

Deep core, bright rim. Nose takes a while to get into gear then goes into overdrive with full delivery of  ripe plum, mulberry, espresso and freshly ground, black pepper. Behind the full aromatic flourish is a delightful floral fragrance of red rose  and some violet.  Rich and  full flavoured in the mouth with already a smooth yet lively flow across the palate. Good, yet supple tannic backbone.  Seductive and very appealing. Delightful, floral note in long finish. Easy to drink now yet has great development potential and should be allowed to develop. Enjoy now and over the next four to six years.

Technical Detail
Alcohol              13  %vol
pH                    3.7
RS                    2 g/l
Total acid          5.8 g/l
Appellation        Stellenbosch

In the Vineyard
These  vineyards are situated on the farm DeMorgenzon in the Stellenboschkloof. Planted in 2004 the trellised vineyard is managed to ensured natural high acidity and full flavour concentration. The yield was 5,8 (30hl/ha only free - run juice used) tons per hectare.

The Harvest
The grapes were handpicked and selected in the early morning at between 24.0º and 24.8º Balling. The yield was 5,8 (30hl/ha - only free-run juice used) tons per hectare with acids above 7,0 g/l and pH’s generally below 3,1.

In the Cellar
The Shiraz, Viognier and Mouvedre were harvested, destalked and crushed into stainless steel fermentation tanks. The juice and skins were left for two days to cold soak before fermentation. The two varietals were fermented at between 22°C and 27°C and three pump overs were done per day. After fermentation the wine was pressed off the skins and malolactic fermentation was completed in barrel. The wine spent a further 11 months in barrel, predominantly French oak (30% new wood).

Ageing Potential
This wine is drinking very well now, will improve over the next four years and should last for many more to come