am Shiraz 2003
“Lack of rain in early summer, although partially alleviated by our new borehole and vineyard irrigation, gave us low harvest yields. We planted a new block of Cabernet lower on the farm for earlier ripening. We began using refrigeration containers to cool harvested Sauvignon Blanc grapes together with a new sorting table to remove rotten bunches. Matilda the potbelly pig was put to sleep and Chameleons Montessori opened on Nitida.”
Tasting Notes
A wine full of complexity. A first impression of dark velvety violets gives way to tiers of freshly worked leather offset by white pepper and loads of cinnamon spice. Nitida fruit is never far away....dark black sweet plums and cherries. A further taste reveals a touch of creme brulee caramel, silky coffee, lots of tobacco, bit of aniseed “or is it liquorice” all finishing with a smoky bacon after thought. A real marriage between old and new world - definitely assertive and imposing yet still decidedly
Winemaker Comments
Another stunning shiraz vintage for us. Only 800 cases available because of the very low yields of the 2003 harvest. This vintage is made from a young (4yrs) single vineyard of grapes bought in off a neighbours north facing slope. A wine which has amassed awards since the beginning - a real testament the potential of Durbanville shiraz. As usual, w resisted the trendy heavy- (often American oak) wooded approach and only use 2nd fill barrels. 100% open fermenter, cap punched through every 4 hours & fermented at 30 degrees. I expect this wine to perform very well in show environments yet to still be appreciated by our customers who look for elegance and fruit.
