Nose
Flush with berries, blackcurrant & plum, with a violet lift, plus subtle cinnamon & vanillin elements from the oak
Palate
Medium-bodied, fresh, juicy, & fleshy. Fresh, dark-berry flavours, dark chocolate, a touch of spicy oak, with sinewy fine tannins providing a satisfying finish
Growing Conditions
The season started with a long, wet winter; the cool conditions leading to the latest start to vintage for 11 years, but nevertheless, a plentiful & glorious crop. Rain at the end of March necessitated dropping bunches to remove diseased clusters & to allow the remaining fruit to achieve both flavour & sugar ripeness, but also to recover to their full intensity. Cabernet Sauvignon was a standout variety this year
Harvest
The blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (82%), Malbec (13%), & Cabernet Franc (5%) was hand-picked from the property from 8th-22nd April 2017 between 12.5°- 13.8° Bé. The Karridale vineyard is sustainably farmed following organic principles
Bottling
The wine was bottled on 1st November 2018
Winemaking
The ferment was a mix of hand-plunged, to prevent the skins from becoming too extracted, & pump-overs which also offer a gentler extraction. Maceration on skins ranged from 8 to 17 days depending on variety.
Aging
Oak maturation of 16 months took place in French barriques of which 25% were new
Appearance
Deep red with a violet rim
Food Pairing
Red Wine-Braised Short Ribs
