Waterkloof unveils latest vintage Circle of Life White 2011
Waterkloof, has just released the latest offspring of its bio-dynamically farmed ‘vineyards in the sky’ – the expressive Circle of Life White 2011 – conceived to represent the totality of this magnificently appointed estate on the outskirts of the Helderberg.
Rather than pursuing any established wine style and harnessing the estate’s commitment to sustainable farming, Circle of Life White 2011 is a description by taste of Waterkloof’s defining sense of origin.
This elegant 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 this blend.
“Our focus 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. Our Circle of Life collection, which also comprises a red counterpart, is one that represents Waterkloof to a tee,” explains winemaker Werner Engelbrecht.
The name, Circle of Life, reflects the renewal of nature and is inspired by the ongoing cycle that exists not only through the eco-conscious farming practices implemented at Waterkloof, but also in life in general.
The grapes for the Circle of Life White 2011 were picked at optimal ripeness and handled with extreme caution at low temperatures to harness their natural flavours. They were then whole-bunch pressed in Waterkloof’s state-of-the-art gravitational cellar to delicately extract only the finest juices and Werner relied only on naturally present, wild yeasts during fermentation.
The wines making up the blend were vinified separately and aged on their primary lees for ten months prior to blending. A portion of grapes (50% of the blend) was aged in old oak barrels, which added richness, complexity and weight to the palate.
Alluring with lime and peach notes, Waterkloof Circle of Life White 2011 is an intense yet elegant wine with great balance. The tension between the tight mineral core and creamy mid pallet allows for great complexity, texture and a persistent finish.
Try this idiosyncratic wine with crayfish linguine with chilli, lime and coriander.
Waterkloof Circle of Life White 2011 retails from R120 per bottle and is available directly from the cellar or at selected fine wine outlets and restaurants countrywide.