The wine is a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Semillon. The Sauvignon Blanc originates from vineyards in the Elgin, Bot River, Elim and Napier areas and the Semillon from the Bot River area alone. These vineyards fall under the new classification Origin Cape South Coast and are of the most southerly situated vineyards in Africa.
The preceding winter was wet and cold enough to ensure good and even budding. A hot August caused fast budding and an earlier season. The rest of the season was dry, windy and disease-free, with no heat- waves – very positive factors. Due to climatic conditions, the harvest, that was large, lost moisture, enhancing concentration and eventually ensuring excellent quality. Analyses and flavours are promising.
Each vineyard grows in its own macro climate and different clones are represented. All the vineyards are trellised and managed to keep leaf coverage and yield in perfect balance. Soils are mostly of a shale origin, with medium potential. Due to cool conditions, low fertility is maintained, with yield being approximately 6 tonnes/ha. The Elgin area has deeper soils with a higher potential and a yield of approximately 8 tonnes/ha.
The grapes were harvested at between 20 and 22 Balling. The wine was left on the lees for approximately 16 hours. Fermentation was at approximately 14 degrees Celsius. The wine was removed from the heavy lees and left on the fine lees for 5 months, followed by blending. The wine was bottled at the end of June and 10 000 cartons (6 x 750 ml) were released.
Vineyards in the cool, emerging wine- producing areas close to the southern point of Africa are combined to produce Wines of Origin Cape South Coast. The wine is thiol-driven, with especially citrus and granadilla flavours, and green pepper flavours in the background. The palate is very elegant, with a mineral finish.
Alcohol 13,21% vol
Residual sugar 2,5 g/l
Total acid 6,8 g/l
pH 3,34