SOUTH AFRICA

2000 | 1999 | 1998

de Trafford Vin de Paille
2000 Blend

Viticulture

Vineyard: Cool high altitude South Western slope and lower slopes of the Helderberg.
Soil Type: Deep red Hutton soil with good moisture retention and gravelly Hutton soil.
Vine Age: 28, 14 and 16 year old.
Irrigation: Sprayer
Harvest Date: 7 to 29 February 2000.
Yield: 5 to 10 t/ha

Vinification:

The grapes were picked at optimum ripeness and laid out on drying racks in 80% shade for 3 weeks. This allows the grapes to concentrate sugars, acids and flavors, before reharvesting in the cool mornings.
Matured for one year using mostly new oak barrels - 50% French and 50% American. This vintage includes an experimental batch of 15% Chardonnay and 15% 1999 Chenin. Racked while in barrel to remove heavy sediment and lightly bentonite fined before bottling unfiltered.
Bottling date: 15 June 2001

Tasting Notes:

Color: Attractive deep yellow color
Nose: Intense honey, apricot, nuts and citrus nose.
Palate: The palate is sweet and concentrated with just enough acidity and oak tannins to compliment and deliver a long, lingering finish.
Other: This wine is a dessert all on its own - a real treat after the meal. Delicious with biscotti and various nuts. Compliments slightly tart fruit desserts and good pate's beautifully.

Chemical Analysis:

Alc (%): 12.32
RS (g/l): 235.3
TA (g/l): 7.4
pH: 3.80