Tabula Rasa South Ridge PN115

Beef, Veal, Game (deer, venison), Poultry

Even though the 2018 vintage is considered to be a relatively hot and dry vintage across the Cape, Elgin experienced one of the best vintages in the last few years. The dry conditions gave balanced canopies and more exposed fruit which created very good concentration and ripe flavours. The clay soils and cold nights of Elgin made sure that the vines did not endure too much stress though.

Barrel maturation for 14 months before bottling.

Fruit is hand-picked from selected vines within our South Ridge High-Density block, placed into lugs and meticulously hand sorted at the winery. 15% is left as whole bunches while the remaining de stemmed berries are dropped uncrushed into small open-top fermenters. The grapes underwent 5 days of cold maceration before spontaneous fermentation ensued. Two gentle punch downs a day led to delicate colour and flavour extraction. Malolactic fermentation ensued in barrel. A careful approach to maturation using lightly toasted French oak from artisanal cooperages in Burgundy encourages finesse, balance and allows the fruit to come to the fore.

Oak Valley is situated high along the Groenlandberg Mountain Range in one of the coolest wine growing regions in South Africa; Elgin. Attention to detail in the vineyards and our minimalist intervention approach in the cellar is what shapes our cool climate wine styles. Oak Valley’s signature is elegance.