Wine Composition
Sauvignon Blanc 69%, Chenin Blanc 24% and 7% Semillon
Winemakers Comments
This wine can be described as an intriguing wine showing lots of different layers. The Sauvignon Blanc aromas are prominent on the nose, with beautiful lime and gooseberry aromatics showing off. Very well integrated flavors on the palate with a tight mineral core and creamy mid-palate from the Chenin Blanc allows for great complexity and a persistent finish. The Sauvignon Blanc lends lovely, fresh acidity to the wine.
Awards
Tim Atkin | 94 points
Technical Analysis
Alcohol Percentage
13.5%
TA
5.4 g/l
pH
3.24
RS
2.8 g/l
Vineyard / Cellar Techniques
Bunches are picked early in the mornings, when they are still cool, which helps to preserve the flavors. Extracting juice from the grapes is achieved through whole-bunch pressing in our modern basket press. This is the most delicate way to extract the juice. No additions of enzymes or settling agents were made to the juice.
After a settling period of 24 hours, a large proportion of the juice was destined for co-fermentation. We determined a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc prior to fermentation which went into old 600-litre barrels as well as concrete eggs. Ultimately, this allowed for a better integrated and more complete end product. After a very long, natural yeast fermentation of around seven months, the wine was left on the primary lees for an extended period before bottling. This helped to add more complexity and weight to the palate. The wine was then racked in a fermentation tank and the final blend was made up, with the addition of extra Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Semillon. The wine then underwent an extended period of bottle aging before release.
Winemaker
Name - Nadia Barnard
Winery
Waterkloof is located on the southwest facing, low-yielding and windswept slopes of Schapenberg (overlooking False Bay). Here the blustery southeastern (and sometimes the northwest wind as well) churns up the vineyards with regularity. This not only allows for a very low yield, but the flavours intensify a flinty minerality.
We use organic and biodynamic winemaking methods and adhere to Old World, sustainable practices in our vineyards to ensure that the vines are nourished and in balance. Our soils are free of chemicals and are kept healthy by using plant extracts, fungi, and bacteria from our own organic compost.
The two single vineyard blocks which we used are about four kilometers from the sea and are planted at a height of between 270 and 300 meters above sea level. The soils are of sandstone origin with medium-sized stones, helping with drainage and moisture retention. The vineyards are 20 years old.
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