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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 grapes with thick skins, and wines with intense colour, high extract and good ageing ability..
2002 VINTAGE
Rainfall and high humidity during the ripening season posed a potential risk to the crop. Due to naturally open canopies and good air movement fruit remained healthy until harvest. The increased soil moisture enabled the vines to ripen their crop without the usual stress and produced balanced wines with a beautiful elegance.
VITICULTURE
Vineyards established in 1986 are showing their will for survival in the intensity of flavour in the fruit. Aerial photography was used to select the healthiest sections of the vineyard for vinification. During green harvest bunches were thinned to one bunch per shoot to attain the best ripening of the crop.
WINEMAKING
On arrival at the winery manually harvested fruit was hand sorted and lightly crushed into tank. Fermentation lasted for 6 days with 3 pump-overs per day until optimal tannin and flavour extraction had been obtained. The wine was left to macerate on the skins for 15 days before pressing. Press and free run wine was taken to 50% new French oak for malolactic fermentation and a 12 month ageing. A further 6 month ageing was done in older French oak barrels. No egg white fining and a minimal filtration was done before bottling.
THE WINE
Savoury notes of hickory and tobacco are evident on the nose with fresh red fruit and an elegant balance on the palate.
FOOD PAIRING
This wine is best served at 18° Celsius and will complement finely flavoured dishes.
AGEING POTENTIAL
The 2002 Merlot is drinking well on release and with correct cellaring will continue to improve for up to 7 years from vintage.
ANALYSIS
Alcohol- 13.8% vol; Residual Sugar-1.7g/l; Total Acidity- 5.8g/l; pH-3.7
PRODUCTION
930 Cases
RECOMMENDATIONS
John Platter Wine Guide- 4 star
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