VINEYARDS
As part of our commitment to quality and consistency, vineyards for the False Bay wines are selected from areas where, we believe, the specific cultivar is best suited. Vineyards selected for False Bay Shiraz are situated in the Paarl and Malmesbury areas. We prefer to select mainly bush vine vineyards which are cultivated under dry-land conditions or, at best receive one irrigation during the growing season. This ensures that the vigorous growth of Shiraz is kept in check and produces wonderfully concentrated fruit. Origin of the soils are mainly of Malmesbury Shale.
The 2008 GROWING SEASON
A winter which provided much needed rain and cold weather was followed by a cool, wet spring. The regular rains during spring and the early part of the summer did lead to higher than normal disease pressure. We had to increase our spraying intervals in order to insure that our vineyards stayed free from disease. Cloudy periods during flowering resulted in irregular set. Bunches were loose and the berries small, which allowed for the berries to colour evenly. The cool weather during spring followed through into the early parts of summer, which allowed for even ripening with very little water stress.
WINEMAKING
The vineyards earmarked for False Bay Shiraz already provides us with ripe, juicy flavours. We do not want to accentuate this profile further during the winemaking process. The aim is to showcase the ripe, spicy fruit but also to ensure that the wine has good length. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at temperatures of between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius. The wine is pumped over a maximum of two times per day to limit over extraction. Two to three delestages are also allowed during the fermentation process. Natural yeasts are allowed to complete the fermentation. Only the free run juice is used to ensure soft tannins. Malolactic fermentation also takes place in tanks, after which the wine will spend 3 - 4 months in older barrels. The aim is not to induce any oak flavours, but allow the wine to mature and become more integrated.
TASTING NOTES
Full, yet elegant, with bramble fruit aromas, cassis and black cherry flavours on the palate and a touch of white pepper spice (more in the northern Rhone mould than Barossa brawn). Structure provided by fine tannins with a long, rich, ripe finish. A moderately wooded Northern Rhone style with soft gripping tannins that invites food. Ideal with spicy dishes and red meats.
ANALYSIS
Alc 14.0%
TA 5.28 g/l
pH 3.58
RS 3.17 g/l
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