WINEMAKER Abrie Beeslaar
COMPOSITION 44% Pinotage, 29% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc
ORIGIN Stellenbosch
AGE OF VINES 5 to 30 years
IRRIGATION Supplemental
SOIL TYPE Decomposed Granite and Hutton
YIELD 7 tons per hectare
AGEING POTENTIAL 5 to 7 years from vintage
PRODUCTION VOLUME 250 000 cases (6 x 750ml)
FOOD PAIRING Pizza | Pasta | Barbequed meat | Roast chicken | Beef or lamb burgers | Beef stew

VINTAGE CONDITIONS
The carry-over effect of the previous three year’s drought was still visible in this vintage, despite the higher rainfall during the season, and it delivered a smaller crop, but of high quality. Despite the relative low water stress, the cool weather contributed to smaller berries, and less irrigation was needed in this growing season.

WINEMAKING / MATURATION
Fermentation took place in open top concrete fermenters at 280C. The floating skins were punched down mechanically, every 2 hours during fermentation. The juice was drawn off the skins after 3 – 5 days. After malolactic fermentation the wine was matured for 12 months in 2nd and 3rd fill 225L French Nevers oak barrels.

TASTING NOTES
Vibrant crimson hues, with complimenting aromas of raspberries, dark cherries, plums, cinnamon and cloves. Supple, elegant tannins and a fresh seam of acidity are beautifully balanced with a vibrant explosion of fruit on the palate. Juicy flavors of red and black fruits, and a hint of chocolate, dominate the lengthy finish.