Wine Composition
100% Shiraz
Winemakers Comments
This juicy, ripe and approachable Shiraz with its ruby colour and purple tints has a spicy white pepper undertone as well as lavender and dark red fruit aromas of mulberries. It is characterised by versatility, demonstrating a smooth soft palate with a savoury finish.
Technical Analysis
Alcohol Percentage
14%
TA
5.8 g/l
pH
3.52
RS
2.2 g/l
Vintage / Vineyards
Faced with severe drought, the challenging conditions of the 2018 harvest resulted in one of the smallest yields in years. Yet despite the significant difficulties, the cooler ripening period and smaller crops produced berries with concentrated flavour and intense colour providing wines of notable quality. The Shiraz grapes were handpicked in the fresh hours of the early morning from a selection of cool vineyard sites in the Stellenbosch region.
Vinification
The wine was matured for twelve months in old French oak barrels to maintain the freshness of this varietal. Fermentation took place at cooler temperatures to ensure gentle extraction of fruit flavours.
Winemaker
Name: Morne Vrey
Winery
Delaire Graff Estate is situated in Stellenbosch in the heart of South Africa’s most historic and prestigious wine region. Founded by Simon van der Stel in 1679, Simon brought a sound knowledge of viticulture, the art of wine making – fostering a tradition that has grown from strength to strength through the centuries. In 1982 John Platter, well known wine writer, bought Delaire, then known as Avontuur. Looking at the magnificent view, he decided to rename the farm Delaire Estate, meaning "From the Sky”. Laurence Graff, Chairman of Graff Diamonds International acquired the estate in 2003 and vowed to transform it into South Africa’s most desirable art, hospitality and wine destination. Today, with two outstanding restaurants, a state-of-the-art winery, exclusive Lodges, a destination Spa and two luxury boutiques, the transformation of this piece of paradise is complete.
Delaire Graff Estate’s unique terroir on the crest of the panoramic Helshoogte Mountain Pass is noted for its high-altitude vineyards, excellent soils and cooling sea breezes. Delaire Graff Estate aims for red wines that are big in structure with soft tannins and elegance, and white wines which capture the freshness of the harvest. With one of the most advanced cellars in the Southern Hemisphere, which became operational in 2008, in just three years the Estate can be comfortably rated as one of the top ten wine producers in South Africa. From the outset wine quality has been superb and Delaire has achieved a stellar rise.