Our Wines | Quoin Rock Simonsberg Syrah

Quoin Rock Simonsberg Syrah 2003

The Simonsberg with its rich red granite derived soils and warm micro climate is especially suited to the production of wines with depth and intensity yet with a refined elegance. The combination of heat, wind and dry conditions result in fruit with thick skins and wines with high extract and good ageing ability..

2003 VINTAGE

2003 has been hailed as one of Stellenbosch’s greatest vintages. Favourable weather during flowering resulted in a good crop level. Moderate temperatures throughout the ripening season allowed the crop to ripen without excessive stress.

VITICULTURE

The 2003 Syrah was made from first harvest fruit from new vineyards. Spur pruned vineyards with vertical shoot positioning carried a very light crop. The success of the 2003 Syrah as a first release is encouraging with Syrah being one of the main varietal choices for our property on the Simonsberg.

WINEMAKING

On arrival at the winery, manually harvested fruit was hand sorted and lightly crushed into tank. Fermentation lasted 6 days with a combination of pump-overs and punch down for gentle extraction of tannin and flavour. The wine was left to macerate on the skins for 12 days before pressing. Press and free run wine was blended and taken to 40% new French oak for malolactic fermentation and a 17 month ageing. A light egg white fining and a minimal filtration was done before bottling.

THE WINE

Dark fruit and leather with hints of spice and white pepper are evident on the nose. The palate is restrained with a tight tannin structure

FOOD PAIRING

This wine is best served at 16° Celsius and will complement rich dishes and finely flavoured cheeses.

AGEING POTENTIAL

The 2003 Syrah is drinking well on release and with correct cellaring will continue to improve for up to 8 years from vintage.

ANALYSIS

Alcohol- 15.0% vol; Residual Sugar-1.9g/l; Total Acidity- 5.6g/l; pH-3.9

PRODUCTION

280 Cases

RECOMMENDATIONS

John Platter Wine Guide- 4 1/2 star

AWARDS

Winner of “Best Syrah” and trophy winner at Fairbairn Capital Trophy Wine Show 2005.