Wine Composition
Tinta Barocca, Tinta Roritz, Tinta Francesca, Souzao
Winemakers Comments
On the nose, floral notes of violets and roses entice along with Christmas spice and plum pudding. Each sip is deeply rich, with flavors ranging from Kirsch-macerated black cherries to dark chocolate-enrobed hazelnuts. There are also savory undertones –truffles and tobacco – with brisk acidity and warming alcohol in harmony with the lithely powerful structure. Seamlessly integrated after two years in old 225l French oak barrels, this world-class wine should reward contemplation for at least another two decades.
Previous Awards
Wine Advocate | 90 points
John Platter | 92 points
Technical Analysis
Alcohol Percentage
19.78%
TA
5.1 g/l
pH
3.9
RS
101.5 g/l
Vineyards/Vintage
Muratie’s Cape Vintage Port is produced from a vineyard planted way back in 1965. The varietals (Tinta Barocca, Tinta Roritz, Tinta Francesca and Souzao) are all planted in the same block. This block is harvested together so this “field blend” is unique to the Muratie Cape Vintage.
Cellar Techniques
The varietals (Tinta Barocca, Tinta Roritz, Tinta Francesca and Souzao) are harvested by hand at 25-28 °B, and are then sorted, crushed and destalked before being pumped into open fermenters. Cold maceration at 10 °C for 2-3 days allows for optimal color and flavor extraction. The grapes are then inoculated for a controlled fermentation accompanied by regular punch downs 3-4 times a day. Once the desired sugar concentration is reached, brandy spirits are pumped into the tank to halt the fermentation. The fortification is carried out on the skins, which allows for further flavor extraction. Cooling and the addition of sulphur dioxide, further assists in halting the fermentation. After being pressed, the port is pumped into a tank and transferred to barrels after settling. After two and a half years in barrels the port is racked and bottled unfiltered to maintain its complexity.
Winemaker
Name -Hattingh de Villiers
Winery
Tucked into the exquisite Knorhoek Valley north of Stellenbosch, Muratie Wine Estate, one of the oldest estates in South Africa, under the stewardship of Rijk Melck and his family, has been at the heart of a lot of passionate debate. This debate is centered largely around the desire to protect a century’s old wine experience that is a magnet for wine lovers around the world.
Muratie's rich history is captured in every nook and cranny. Wherever you are on the estate you cannot help being moved by a sense of the many generations that have lived and worked there. The buildings, the artifacts, and even the shrubs and trees exude an aura of the colorful past reaching towards an even more fruitful future.
Standing in front of the cellar door at Muratie, you will see a small white building, this was the first home that Lourens Campher built for his family. Beside the house is the oak tree his wife, Ansela van de Caab, planted. The strength and beauty of the tree is a testament to the steadfast love Lourens had for his Ansela.
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