Technical Analysis
Shiraz is a variety chosen for its property of expressing a sense of place, and in this instance, vineyards surrounding Waterford in Stellenbosch.
Tasting note
The wine shows aromatics of delicate violets, dark plum fruits and liquorice notes which has layered subtle notes of earthiness and leather spice, brought in by the Mourvedre component. The palate follows the aromatics of the nose with similar violet and earthy spice notes. The wine shows generosity for a vintage which is known for more elegant and finely textured wines. The tannins presented are soft and granular with a fruit-forward finish due to the use of strictly older barrels for ageing. 96% Shiraz, 4% Mourvedre
Vintage conditions
With the winter having lower levels of rainfall, it was expected that the vineyard was going to be stressed during the springtime, but what followed was near-perfect growing conditions for flowering and berry set. Harvest time was characterised by moderate temperatures and a distinct lack of heat waves which was ideal for berry ripening. The vineyards remained very healthy and produced the perfect bunches, smaller berries than usual but this gives great concentration. Apart from being a warm vintage the wines show good freshness and elegance.
Vinification details
No new wood is used in the making of this wine, only Old French oaks barrels 225L, 300L & 500L for 22 months. Whole berry fermentation and soft extraction methods (pumpovers only) have brought out the purity in the wine.
Technical Analysis
Shiraz is a variety chosen for its property of expressing a sense of place, and in this instance, vineyards surrounding Waterford in Stellenbosch.
Tasting note
Lovely aromatics of strong violets, dark plum fruits and liquorice. Layered into the aromatics, is found subtle earthiness and leather spice notes. The palate is generous and rich with well textured and sturdy tannins which will add many years to the ageing ability. The wine finishes with a cooler feel than expected, with the ocean influence maintaining a great natural acidity. (96% Shiraz, 4% Mourvedre)
Vintage conditions
The third year of drought in the Western Cape and becoming very noticeable in the natural mountain vegetation and low dam levels. Low winter rains but followed by near perfect growing conditions, moderate temperatures and lack of heat waves during harvest. The vineyards remained very healthy and produced lovely bunches, smaller than usual berries giving great concentration. The wines are extremely classical in style, with tight tannin structures and lovely acidities.
Vinification details
No new wood is used in the making of this wine, only Old French oaks barrels 225L, 300L & 500L for 22 months. Whole berry fermentation and soft extraction methods (pumpovers only) have brought out the purity in the wine.
Technical Analysis
Shiraz is a variety chosen for its property of expressing a sense of place, and in this instance, vineyards surrounding Waterford in Stellenbosch.
Tasting note
Concentrated red and dark fruit with warm earthy aromatics can be found in this Stellenbosch Shiraz, accompanied by plum fruit and leather spice undertones. The 2016 vintage produced a lovely soft and velvety textured Shiraz, with the slight addition of Mourvèdre (12%) to build in a little tension in the finish of the wine.
Vintage conditions
A vintage which will be remembered for drought and heat. Luckily Waterford’s location on the Helderberg mountain and the near proximity to the ocean allowed the vineyards to cool down overnight. The lack of water throughout the ripening season resulted in light bunches with tiny berries, giving the wines great colour and flavour.
Vinification details
No new wood is used in the making of this wine, using 225L Old French oak barrels, 4th fill and older. Whole berry fermentation and soft extraction methods (pumpovers only) have brought out the purity in the wine.
