Paul Cluver - 'Noble Late Harvest', Elgin - 2014 (375ml)

Wine Composition

100% Riesling

Winemakers Comments

A very expressive nose, with apricot and pineapple aromas dominating. Soft cardamom pod fragrances and orange blossom are noticeable too. All these characteristics follow through onto the luscious, creamy palate which finishes clean.

Awards

Tim Atkin | 95 points

Alcohol Percentage

10.5%

TA

8.1 g/l

pH

3.5

RS

137.7 g/l

Vineyards/Vintage

The tightness of the Riesling bunches make it susceptible to rot. Since late summer rain was limited this year, rot was largely Botrytis rather than sour rot. Bunch sorting in the vineyard was relatively easy compared to the previous vintage. Harvest took place on two dates, 28 March and 12 April. Grapes came in at 33° Brix respectively. 

Cellar Techniques

A second stage of sorting occurs at the cellar to ensure that no sour rot is processed with the Botrytis infected grapes. Following skin contact, berries are pressed and juice settled at 5° Celsius for two days. Fermentation is controlled at 14°-16 ° Celsius over a period of eight weeks. 10% is fermented and matured in 3rd and 4th fill barrels for six months prior to blending, stabilizing and bottling the final product.

Winemaker

Name - Andries Burger

Winery

This family-owned, family-run wine business is located in the cool-climate Elgin Valley, approximately 70km south-east of Cape Town. The property has been in ownership of the Cluver Family since 1896. Recognised as pioneers of wine in the area, the focus is on producing elegant wines that are expressive of the terroir.
The wine business forms part of larger holistic farming business called ‘De Rust Estate'. In addition to the vineyards and cellar, there are apple and pear orchards, a Hereford stud and eco-tourism activities, including amphitheatre concerts, on the farm. This 2000+ hectare estate forms part of the UNESCO world heritage site, the Kogelberg Biosphere. Half of the estate has been set aside for conservation into perpetuity.