Visionaire 2018

HARVEST Very mild summer, with early February heat moving into more moderate temperatures later. Rain towards the end of picking season made it a tricky period to judge timing. Late ripening for the cabernets and cooler weather conditions provided particularly elegant tannins and structure.

COLOUR Intense dark red colour with a bright edge.

NOSE Brimming with red berry and mulberry flavours, with subtle notes of pencil shavings, spicy white pepper, fynbos and violets in early spring.

PALATE Smooth elegant palate with mid-palate ripeness and spicy supple finish. Red and black fruits dominate balanced with a graphite steeliness. The tannins are soft and refined and exquisitely round off the aromas of spice and fresh plum. The multiple components of Visionaire allow each to show off its own unique characters while combining to produce an experience greater than the parts – each varietal a celebrated soloist combining with the orchestra of the blend!

TECHNICAL DATA Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon 37%, Merlot 34%, Syrah 19%, Cabernet Franc 9%, Malbec 1% Analysis: Alc: 14.94% • TA: 5.2 g/l • RS: 3.1 g/l • pH: 3.67

WINEMAKER’S NOTES 20% new 225 litre French oak barrels. 80% 2nd and 3rd fill 225 litre French oak barrels. 24 months ageing before blending and bottling. Grapes were selected from distinct parcels with varying soil types. This complexity in growing has resulted in a wonderful intricacy in the wine. The grapes were picked at optimal ripeness to enable the correct balance between sugar and phenolic components. Individual varieties were bunch and berry sorted, crushed and destalked to tank. Fermentation was initiated after 5 day cold soaking. Minimal additions were made to preserve the true cultivar characteristics of the grapes.

FOOD PAIRING Rosemary roasted Karoo lamb chops or a fine 30 day plus air dried fillet steak with a pepper sauce! This wine is complex – keep the food simple to enjoy in its natural goodness.