Petit Verdot
Petit Verdot 2016
Enveloping rich fruitcake aromatics with a hint of charcuterie alongside spice. The flavours are bold. Inky, deep, dark and dense blue and black fruit with a dry, spicy oak grip that the grape variety is noted for. Powerful yet restrained, the oak is unmistakeably prominent but balanced by the concentration of the ripe dark berry flavours. Structured with dry tannin grip and a long, rich tail. Not for the fainthearted.
Vintage Notes
The 2016 vintage was at times, a challenge. The growing season was exceptionally dry with drought having a major impact on the crops, especially in Franschhoek. Although some grapes did suffer from sunburn, others benefited from the extra concentration, however, acidity was in some cases compromised. Despite the harvest being earlier than normal, conditions had cooled enough to allow later-ripening grapes a chance to catch up. Overall, the harvest was far smaller than normal, and the quality could vary quite substantially.
Winemaking
The Petit Verdot was harvest in lug boxes and then refrigerated overnight in the cellar. The next day the grapes were optical sorted and fermented in 3ton wooden fermenters. Malolactic was done in 225L French oak barrels. After Racking the wine was aged in 80% new oak and 20% 2nd fill barrels for 24 months. After bottling the wine was bottle aged for another 5 years.
Origin of Fruit
Franschhoek
Blend
Ample ripe black fruit, Christmas pudding, spice and cigarbox - all beautifully underpinned by refined oaking.
Cabernet Sauvignon
A study in subtlety: Christmas cake, typically Bordelaise tea leaf, cassis, violet and spice aromatics.
Cabernet Franc
Fruitcake, cassis and spice nose with a light floral whiff adding an extra element.
Syrah
Understated fynbos edge to plump black plum and vanilla spice with a hint of violets on the nose.
Merlot
Mellow blueberry fruit tinged with cinnamon spice and a light, turned earth note.
Optima
Delightful interplay of blackcurrant, cassis, violet perfume and an earthy richness.
Petit Verdot
Enveloping rich fruitcake aromatics with a hint of charcuterie alongside spice.