Winemaker and winery: Nicky Versfeld, The company of wine people.

Grape variety: 100% Shiraz.

Region: Stellenbosch (Helderberg region), South Africa.

Viticulture/Vinification: Vines are grown on south-westerly slopes on yellow granite and loam soils. Mediterranean climate. Average age of vines is 10 years old. Cold soaking takes place three days prior to fermentation which occurs for 10 days on the skins until dry. Post-maturation, the wine is left on the skins for another five days. Malolactic fermentation occurs in barrel. The wine is aged in 300L French oak barrels, with 25% aged in American oak barrels, for 16 months. Filtration occurs before bottling.

Very toasty oak on the nose – like toasted coconut. Rich, full and dark – baked but also fresh with some eucalyptus. A typical NW Shiraz and could almost be Australian. Pretty good.

13%
150 Stores
02/04/09

_________________
mel