Technical Analysis
Planted on the rockiest sandstone slopes of Waterford Estate in 2005, for the first 10 years the grapes from this vineyard were solely used to produce the Blanc de Noir.
Tasting note
The wine shows inviting aromatics of orange rind, earthy red cherry and exotic fruits, with hints of spice. The palate is layered with red cherries, tomato reduction, earthy notes and savoury flavours along with velvety dry tannins and a lovely freshness to carry the fruit.
Vintage conditions
Good winter rains but still below the long term average, with a few odd warm days during winter as well as snowfall during late winter/early spring. The rain helped with the increase of dam levels. These conditions also prepped for good, even budding to start the growing season. During ripening, an odd heat wave was experienced. Overall lovely warm days and cooler nights allowed for perfect ripening and earlier picking dates. This resulting in lovely fresh flavoured and rich wines with relatively low alcohol levels.
Vinification details
The wine is aged in roughly 30% Porcelain jars, as well as large 500L old French oak barrels for a period of 14 months.
Tasting video
With winemaker Mark Le Roux.
Technical Analysis
Planted on the rockiest sandstone slopes of Waterford Estate in 2005, for the first 10 years the grapes from this vineyard were solely used to produce the Blanc de Noir.
Tasting note
Pristine red cherry and exotic fruits with touches of earthy clove spice. The palate has earthy, savoury flavours along with delicate dry tannins and a soft freshness to carry the fruit.
Vintage conditions
Another year of severe drought conditions, low winter rainfall and the occasional warm days during winter. Once the season got going, moderate to cool and windless conditions were perfect for flowering and fruit set leading to high crop potentials. From November onwards, warm burg wind conditions were experienced throughout creating stressful ripening conditions, but with early picking dates, lower alcohol wines with good freshness were made.
Vinification details
The wine is aged in roughly 30% Percaline jars, as well as large 500L old French oak barrels for a period of 14 months.
Tasting video
With winemaker Mark Le Roux.
Technical Analysis
Planted on the rockiest sandstone slopes of Waterford Estate in 2005, for the first 10 years the grapes from this vineyard were solely used to produce the Blanc de Noir.
Tasting note
Pristine red cherry and exotic fruits with touches of earthy clove spice. The palate has earthy, savoury flavours along with delicate dry tannins and a soft freshness to carry the fruit.
Vintage conditions
2017 has been noted as one of the great vintage years in Stellenbosch. Drought conditions prevailed, but temperatures remained moderate-to-cool throughout the season, which resulted in optimal maturation of fruit, but no signs of warmth in the wines. The wines are extremely classical in style, showing tension in the firm and concentrated tannin structures. The cooler conditions also brought about great freshness and purity within the wines.
Vinification details
The wine is aged in roughly 30% Percaline jars, as well as large 500L old French oak barrels for a period of 14 months.
