Bordeaux 2004
Fine and clear, with persistent tannins, high probability of Cassis and Plum.
Serve at 17°C
A classic, elegant Bordeaux cultivar wine arises through finely-balanced tannins and oaks. Whiffs of cassis and plum notes play harmoniously on the nose before stronger plum undertones, courtesy of the merlot, enrich the palate. A succulent spiciness resonates on both nose and palate, while the organic “mineraliness” of our terroir is evident in the form of dark, mushroom-forest floor flavours which adds a distinctive earthiness.
These grapes are chosen from seven different blocks, giving a very versatile selection of styles, clones and cultivars. The blocks of clones are from CS46C & 1C, MO343A and others, where some are our oldest blocks, planted in 1997, and the younger ones being 2001. All of them are situated on the slightly north-facing slopes on the eastern Schaapenberg Ridge, a slightly warmer section of the farm. Most of the Cabernet blocks are planted on oakleaf and clovelly soils, except for two blocks on glenrosa soils.
In every vintage, there’s something new
We’ve had a warm, dry autumn with an early winter and good rainfall towards the end. The critical flowering and berry set stages went off well with some initial uneven shoot growth (autumn). A warm Jan and Feb with some rainfall was followed by a cooler Mar. Winds were moderate – all in all resulting in a stunning season
The grapes were harvested at an average sugar level of 24.8 balling. The Cabernet and Merlot were left on the skins for 13 and 11 days respectively and the Cabernet Franc for 24 days. The total barrel time was about 14 months. The vinification process of the different cultivars took place separately until blending before bottling.
Made from the best 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 9% Cab Franc from the blocks: Long Rows, Popplers, Sea Block, Manor House, East Ridge 2 & 3
With the managing of our cover crop and the revitalization of our microbial life and soil activity we believe that we shall achieve an optimal medium for our roots to grow in. This will give us healthy and strong plants with high activity.
The positioning, thinning out and gaining young shoot growth, in other words good canopy management together with scientific water measurement and sophisticated irrigation management will develop grapes that are well balanced in their acids and sugars.
Our terroir with its relatively cool climate due to the altitude, slope form, and proximity to the Atlantic ocean give us phenolic ripeness that are unusually high and different to many other farms. Through a dedicated and focused management we strive to achieve the ripeness to be at an optimum level when the sugars and acids are just right for harvest.
Fillet of Kudu in a Shiraz-berry sauce.
Lamb shanks on farm olives.
Beef fillet on green peppercorn.
Wedderwill Social