| WINE | The Winery of Good Hope | ||||||||
| NAME | GRANITE RIDGE RESERVE | ||||||||
| VINTAGE | 2006 | ||||||||
| APPELLATION | Stellenbosch & Elgin | ||||||||
| ANALYSIS |
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| PRODUCTION | 1100 (12 x 750ml.) cases |
VINEYARDS
Produced from two regions. Firstly, from mature, trellised vineyard predominantly in the Helderberg Mountain area of Stellenbosch. Selected from several vineyard blocks, on decomposed granite soils overlooking the Ocean. These slopes benefit from the moderating factor of the maritime breezes, as well as an altitude of 3 - 400m above sea level. The second site, just for the Pinot Noir, is in the Mountains at Elgin, on some of the coolest and highest vineyards in the Cape. Green harvest thinning was carried-out sufficiently early in the growing cycle, allowing for focused development of a smaller yield (40 - 45 hl / ha). This was a beautifully vintage, considerably cooler than the previous 2, resulting in wonderful fruit quality and great natural balance.. All hand harvested.
VINIFICATION
As with all our reds, grapes were picked from sunrise, crushed and destemmed into separate fermenters. Cold soaked, separately, for several days on the skins to promote fruitiness, colour and flavour. Fermented for +/-12 days, until dry, using regular pump-overs throughout. Micro-oxygenation in tank post alcoholic fermentation. Malolactic fermentation with the wines still on the lees. Pressed juice kept separately from free-run juice, matured and micro-oxygenated separately. 60% of the overall wines was matured in small French Oak barrels, of which ¼ were new. Final assembly of the component wines after 12 months maturation. Unfiltered into bottle.
WINEMAKER'S COMMENTS
Combining Old-world style tannins with New World juicy fruit is one of the things Cape wines do best. This example includes typical Stellenbosch minerality, structure and depth, with some delightful ripe dark cherry fruit from the Elgin Pinot. Finished-off with some integrated and complexing barrel characteristics and ripe tannins. An overall balanced nature which promotes easy drinkability. The ultimate test is can you drink a bottle on your own ? Answer this when you’re onto your second…