SOUTH AFRICA

2014 | 2012 | 2011

de Trafford Syrah `Blueprint`
2014 Syrah

Viticulture

Vineyard: Mostly from the neighboring Keermont vineyard and the rest is from the ’Tip Top Mont Fleur’ vineyard.
Soil Type: Keermont soil is deep red Hutton, medium potential decomposed granite. The Montfleur vineyard is made of steep, stony soil.
Vine Age: 16 years old.
Irrigation: Drip Method
Harvest Date:
Yield: 6 and 4 tons/ha.

Vinification:

VINTAGE CONDITIONS
A very good, cold wet winter ensured the soil moisture supply was filled and we had even bud burst. Cool and wet weather at the beginning of the growing season resulting in a slow start and moderate healthy growth. High rainfall in November and January meant there was no need for any irrigation. Fungal disease pressure was high in November / December, but well-timed contact sprays kept the vines healthy. Bunch and berry size were a little larger than usual due to the higher rain and less wind than usual. This resulted in a little less concentrated, more delicate fresh style. Moderate temperatures and no rain over harvest meant the development of attractive fresh fruity characters. Harvest started about 2 weeks later than usual.
PRODUCTION
Handpicking into 20 kg lugboxes. Destemming and gentle crushing directly into small open top fermentation tanks. Spontaneous natural yeast fermentation at 30 ºCentigrade maximum with the cap of skins punched down manually two to three times a day for about sixteen days. Wine drained directly to barrels together with single pressing from basket press.
All de Trafford red wines undergo malolactic fermentation in the barrel.
Twenty month long barrel aging, with no new wood and only two rackings.
This wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered by hand.

Tasting Notes:

Color: Medium deep, bright red color.
Nose: Fresh dark red berry fruit nose with black and white pepper and fynbos (herbal) notes.
Palate: Fresh, juicy, but refined, lively palate packed with intense red berry fruit and a spicy, peppery overlay.
Other: Ideal with a rack of ribs with a little spice or slow roasted pork belly.

Chemical Analysis:

Alc (%): 14.6
RS (g/l): 2
TA (g/l): 5.7
pH: 3.71