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Taste the essence of Waterkloof in new Circle of Life White 2010
Waterkloof, has just unveiled the latest offspring of its amphitheatre of ‘vineyards in the sky’, the 2010 White vintage of its expressive Circle of Life, masterly crafted to encapsulate the philosophy and totality of this magnificently appointed estate in the Helderberg.
Harnessing Waterkloof’s commitment to sustainable farming, Circle of Life White 2010 is an all-embracing description by taste of Waterkloof’s defining sense of origin. This refined wine is the culmination of a unique set of circumstances emanating from site-specific vineyard blocks perched high on the slopes of the Schapenberg that have shaped the components in the blend.
“The name, Circle of Life, reflects the renewal of nature. Working with nature allows one to experience its natural cycle each year. Vines awaken from their rest in spring to grow and produce fruit until the next winter when they go to back to sleep, only to be reborn again,” explains Waterkloof winemaker Werner Engelbrecht.
Rather than pursuing a certain style, Werner’s Circle of Life is inspired by this ongoing cycle that exists not only through the bio-dynamic farming practices implemented at Waterkloof, but also in life in general.
Werner and his team’s focus of the last seven years has always been to gain a better understanding of Waterkloof and the individual characteristics of its vineyards, and how the individual vineyard blocks in different parts on the farm produce wines that are stylistically very different.
During the 2010 harvest, the blustering South Easter and North Wester allowed for a very low crop with only the finest grapes surviving Mother Nature’s onslaught. In addition the grapes showed a high natural acidity and remarkable concentrated flavours owing to cooler climatic conditions in the growing season which is ideal for a longer and slower ripening period. The grapes were picked at optimal ripeness and handled with extreme caution at low temperatures to harness their natural flavours.
Following Werner’s ‘hands nearly off’ mantra, the grapes were whole-bunch pressed in Waterkloof’s state-of-the-art gravitational cellar to delicately extract only the finest juices and fermentation was allowed to occur naturally relying solely on wild yeasts.
The wines making up the blend were vinified separately and aged on their primary lees for ten months prior to blending. Some of the components (40% of the blend) were aged in old oak barrels, which added luscious richness, complexity and weight to the palate.
Waterkloof Circle of Life White 2010 has an alluring green tinge, revealing delicate citrus flavours. The tension between the tight mineral core and creamy mid pallet allows for great complexity and a persistent finish. Try this sterling wine with seared yellowfin tuna or poached yellowtail.
Waterkloof Circle of Life White 2010 retails from R140 per bottle and is available directly from the cellar or at selected fine wine outlets and restaurants countrywide.