| WINE | The Winery of Good Hope | ||||||||
| VARIETAL | Shiraz | ||||||||
| VINTAGE | 2008 | ||||||||
| APPELLATION | Stellenbosch, South Africa | ||||||||
| ANALYSIS |
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| PRODUCTION | 5000 (12 x 750ml.) cases |
VINEYARDS & HARVEST
2 Mature, trellised vineyards, both in the premium, maritime Stellenbosch Appellation : one on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain the other in Devon Valley –both overlooking False Bay and towards the South Pole, over the Atlantic Ocean. The soils are composed principally of deposed granite, which give rise to the excellent minerality of the wine, its sound balance as well as its spicy flavours. The Helderberg fruit gives more structure and minerality; Devon Valley riper fruit.
Green harvest thinning was carried-out sufficiently early in the growing cycle, allowing for focused development of a smaller yield (+/- 50 hl / ha). 2008 was a great all-round vintage, with some of the best Shiraz we have seen for a number of years. Plentiful winter rains were followed by evening flowering, a wonderful spring and a Summer which was distinctly less hot than the previous year. The grapes had beautifully ripe flavours with lovely balance, which is reflected in the wine itself which is extremely approachable.
VINIFICATION
Grapes hand harvested, crushed and destemmed into large fermenters. Cold soaked for several days on the skins to promote fruitiness, colour and flavour. Fermented for 10 days, until dry, using periodic pump-overs throughout. Micro-oxygenation carried-out in tank before and after malolactic fermentation, with the wines still on the lees. Pressed juice kept separately from free-run juice, matured and micro-oxygenated separately, before final assembling. 1/3 matured in small French oak, the rest in tank Lightly fined with one coarse filtration on its way into bottle.
WINEMAKER'S COMMENTS
The Winery of GOOD HOPE Shiraz focuses on using natural methods to achieve a balanced style that promotes drinkability, but which releases flavour, spiciness, individuality, balance and freshness. The great innate attributes of Shiraz. The ultimate test is if can you drink a bottle on your own ? Answer this when you’re onto your second bottle…