Ridgeback Journey 2020
South Africa, Paarl
Description
Intense mulberry, plum and pepper spice with a hint of mint evolves to notes of Christmas cake and leather. The rich, juicy mid palate runs seamlessly onto a long, mineral finish.
Awards
4.5 stars Platter's South African Wine Guide
91 pts Tim Atkin
Gold Michelangelo International Wine and Spirits
90 pts Gilbert & Gaillard Rating
Double Gold National Wine Challenge
Gold Concours Mondial de Bruxelles
Certifications
Alcohol
14.5%
Analytical data
dry
Vinification
• All of the above were de stemmed without excessive crushing and all unwanted stalks removed on the sorting table. The whole berry component in the open stainless steel fermenters was at 30%. • After 12 hours of cold soaking each of the musts were inoculated with a commercial yeast strain best suited to the specific variety. • Pump overs were given three to four times daily to extract colour, tannin and flavour. • Fermentation for each of the cultivars ran at 24-28 degrees Celsius and lasted for 5- 7 days. • Thereafter the wine was gently pressed and free run was consolidated with sufficient press fraction to enhance structure. • The wine was gravity fed to second and third fill French oak barrels for secondary malo-lactic fermentation. • Maturation in 225 liter French oak barrels lasted for 13 months. • The specially selected barrels for all 4 varieties were then blended and lightly filtered prior to bottling.
