Grapes for this wine are from vineyards in Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek.
The season got off to a good start, with normal bud burst, flowering, and fruit set. Initial shoot growth was slow but accelerated later, especially after early December rains, which also increased disease pressure. The berry set occurred earlier than usual. Analyses of the early grapes were positive, although there was a sudden drop in acidity for some of the later grapes. The intensity of flavours is excellent. The 2023 season will be remembered for heavy rainfall in March, which particularly affected the later red grapes. Most of the grapes for this Millennium were, however, harvested before the rain.
Each vineyard has a unique macroclimate and grows on a wide variety of soils. Different clones are represented. All vineyards are trained according to the Perold system and managed to achieve perfect balance in leaf coverage and fruit load. The various terroirs result in distinctive grapes from each area, so each contributes uniquely to the wine’s flavor and structure
The blend for this wine consists of Merlot (66%), Cabernet Franc (25%), Shiraz (6%), and Petit Verdot (3%). Some grapes were hand-harvested, while others were machine-harvested and sorted. Handharvested grapes were sorted again in the cellar before whole berries were transferred to stainless steel fermentation tanks. Fermentation occurred at 25 – 30°C, with regular pump-overs.
Merlot and Cabernet Franc form a classic combination, as found in some of the world’s most celebrated wines. The Shiraz contributes elegance to the palate, while a small percentage of Petit Verdot adds color, spice, and complexity to the blend. Aromas of black berries and plums are dominant, with subtle sweet notes of fruitcake and dark toffee in the background. Cloves and integrated roasted oak notes are also present. The palate is medium bodied with soft, lively tannins and a lingering berry finish.
Alcohol 13.87% vol
Total Acid 3.57 g/l
Residual Sugar 2.9 g/l
pH 3.57
