SOUTH AFRICA
de Trafford Cabernet Sauvignon
2011 Cabernet Sauvignon
Viticulture
| Vineyard: |
Mont Fleur, East and North facing Keermont vineyard and low lying Helderberg vineyard. |
| Soil Type: |
Mont Fleur vineyard high altitude mountain slope, deep red Hutton decomposed granite, East facing Keermont vineyard deep red Hutton decomposed granite, low lying Helderberg vineyard shallow gravelly red Hutton decomposed granite and North facing Keermont |
| Vine Age: |
Mont Fleur vineyard 17 years old, East facing Keermont vineyard 14 years old, low lying Helderberg vineyard 23 years old and North facing Keermont vineyard 8 years old. |
| Irrigation: |
Drip Method |
| Harvest Date: |
2nd to 10th of March. |
| Yield: |
5 t/ha, less than 1kg of fruit per vine, very low yields. |
Vinification:
VINTAGE CONDITIONS
Late 2010 winter with a little below average rainfall, but cold enough in May to ensure even bud-break in spring. The growing season was cool with some regular rainfall, which made up for the drier winter. Flowering was good and although December was very windy (most in 42 years), no damage and a normal healthy crop of very good quality. The harvest period was very hot and dry, but the grapes were taken to the cellar in the cool mornings at optimum ripeness.
PRODUCTION
With 12% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot included. 100% destemming and crushing by hand directly into 2 ton open top fermentation tanks. Spontaneous natural yeast fermentation at 30ºCentigrade with the cap of skins punched down 2 – 3 times a day for 15 days. Wine drained directly to barrels, together with single pressing from traditional basket press for malolactic fermentation. 40% new French oak was used from high-quality coopers. 23 months barrel aging, with several rackings to gradually clarify the wine and assist maturation. Bottled unfiltered by hand on the property.
594 cases made.
Tasting Notes:
| Color: |
Deep, dark red. |
| Nose: |
Intense rich, ripe cassis and blackberry nose with lovely spice, pencil and creamy fynbos aromas. |
| Palate: |
Rich, ripe fruit on palate with layers of spice and creamy fynbos. Great intensity with prominent fine tannins that carry the wine to a long finish. |
| Other: |
Great maturation potential. Drink 2017 to 2025. Delicious with most red meat dishes. Butterfly leg of lamb on the BBQ with wild rosemary is a favorite. |
Chemical Analysis:
| Alc (%): |
15.01 |
| RS (g/l): |
2.4 |
| TA (g/l): |
5.7 |
| pH: |
3.86 |
