Caroline

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The fruit was harvested by hand at optimal ripeness and transported to the cellar in refrigerated trucks. The grapes were whole bunch pressed and the juice settled overnight before fermentation and maturation separately in an old French oak foudre and 500l puncheons. 11% of the blend remained unoaked to ensure an elegant balance to the rich and complex fruit profile.

Riebeeksrivier farm is situated on the slopes of the Kasteelberg, overlooking the Swartland towards iconic Table Mountain. Its unique terroir, especially the shale soils, expresses itself strongly in the wine with unique varietal characteristics. The vines for this blend are all planted on south facing slopes at elevations of 350 – 400m above sea level. The oldest Chenin Blanc bush vines were planted in 1987, and more recently a small parcel of Chenin Blanc was planted in 2013. The higher density plantings of Viognier (2009), Roussanne (2009) and Marsanne (2011/12) are all échalas trellised (each vine is trained on its own wooden stake).

The wine spent 6 months on the lees before the final blend was crafted and bottled.