aj Calligraphy 2004
“Our youngest daughter, Lara, joined the family bringing her unique bag full of surprises and energy. This contrasted with a wonderfully “rustige” harvest. Nitida Pinotage won a Veritas double gold. Finally our Sauvignon was given 4 ½ stars in Platters. The 2003 Shiraz won the ABSA & JA Meyer Trophies trophies for Best Young Wine and Best Shiraz. We made our first Semillon for Woolworths Limited Release.”
Tasting Notes
Wonderful refined elegance - a classic. Enduring layers of fresh earth and spice with real Cabernet Franc on the nose. The palate features layers of cherries, almonds and plums all gently draped in smooth, dark Belgian chocolate and wrapped in fine tannins. At its best with warm meat dishes (added mint and coriander will really stun).
Winemaker Comments
The 2004 harvest was characterised by perfect temperatures but too little water from the sky. Aided by “prophylactic” irrigation the merlot is probably the nicest we have ever harvested on Nitida, while the cabernet and cabernet franc had exceptionally low yields and stunning flavour intensity. The 2004 Calligraphy is a really classy wine, the fruit is powerful but elegantly balanced by well integrated wood - an elegance that we seek out on Nitida. Our Calligraphy signature of spicy, forest floor-ness comes from the high ratio of cabernet franc (at least 30% and this year 35%) and relatively low cabernet (20%). The balance is merlot which shows lovely cool climate plums and berries. 12 months in 25% new French oak (75% 2nd and 3rd fill) finished the wine perfectly.
