VINEYARDS
The vineyards producing the Peacock Ridge range of wines are cultivated on the lower slopes of our Waterkloof estate. The estate vineyards are planted at a height of between 200 and 290 metres above sea level on the slopes of the Schapenberg in Somerset West. To the south they overlook the broad sweep of False Bay and the southern Atlantic shoreline about 5 kilometres away. The
soils are of sandstone origin with medium sized stones, which aid drainage and moisture retention. All the vineyards on Waterkloof are cultivated under dry land conditions, with supplementary irrigation available in very dry years. The average ages of vines are between 10 and 12 years. Strong south-easterly winds during the growing season help to control growth and naturally limit yields.
THE 2005/06 GROWING SEASON
The 2006 vintage was characterised by a cold, wet winter, followed by a relatively dry early growing season, with the wind up on the Schapenberg
Hill blowing almost non-stop. This resulted in even smaller than normal bunches and berries, giving more concentration and flavour. Due to the
small crop, the vineyards easily managed the dry conditions later in the growing season. Rains just before harvest, at the end of January, provided
much needed moisture, helping the grapes to reach phenological ripeness.
WINEMAKING
The Merlot vineyards were harvested late in February. The grapes were de-stemmed and fermented with naturally occurring yeasts in stainless steel
tanks. A combination of “delestage” and pumpover techniques was used during fermentation to maximise colour and tannin extraction. The wines spent an additional 15 days on the skins after fermentation to help integrate the tannins and stabilise the colour. The skins were separated from the juice by a gentle pressing. All the wine went through malolactic fermentation in barrels. Wine was aged in new (20%) and second-fill (80%) French barrels for ten months.
TASTING NOTES
A succulent wine with velvety tannins. The fine tannins provide both structure to complement the lush fruit, as well as ageing potential. One of those rare South African Merlots that exhibit an appetising complexity of lushness, spice and exuberance. Deep-layered fruit (black cherry and plums), also featuring sweet liquorice.
ANALYSIS
Alc: 14.5%
TA: 5.9g/l
pH: 3.52
RS: 2.1g/l
VA: 0.65
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