Collection Shiraz Rose

These perfectly ripe grapes were gently pressed to avoid any harsh phenols. After settling, the juice was then racked, fermented at cool temperatures and left on the fine lees to enhance depth of flavour.

Drip-irrigation ensures optimal ripening. The vines are planted on south facing slopes in soils consisting of weathered granite on clay and benefit from the cooling effect of the nearby Atlantic Ocean (False Bay) during the ripening season. Stellenbosch had another good winter with sufficient rain and cold for the vines to rest and build up reserves before the start of bud towards September. Cool and mild weather conditions prevailed until end Feb, which pushed the start of harvest out by 14 days to the norm. Vineyard stress were minimal and fewer irrigation cycles was needed. End of Feb and through Apr there were a few hot spells broken up by cool days in between. These conditions led to cultivars ripen on their own time. Harvest only finished mid-April and crop yields were normal with the later varietals (Cab/Shiraz) down by 20%. Wine quality was very good overall.