Description
The 2018 vintage was warm for the area, which helped give a riper, fuller style of Pinot reflecting the vintage. It was also the only year where a slightly higher portion of the 777 clone was used. This gave an even more Bohemian opulence to the nose, while on the palate the tannins are finely textured and broad, helping to give a clean, dry finish to the wine. Fleshy, deep and spicy with fine graphite tannin depth. The wine shows lovely breadth and floral character so typical of Pinot.
The grapes are from the Vrede farm in the Overberg, just 20km from Atlantic Ocean. Grapes are hand picked and chilled overnight before processing. 30% whole bunch fruit is used and the rest de-stemmed. Natural fermentation takes place with a punchdown 1-2 times a day, normally lasting 10-14 days. Left on skins for 5 days after fermentation completes to allow tannins to integrate and the desired level of extraction to be achieved. Soft pressed and taken straight to older French oak for 10 months. 4 barrels produced. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, while additives are limited to a small addition of sulphur prior to bottling. A harmless sediment may develop over time.
Produced by Gerhard Smith as his own project, while still part of the Creation winemaking team.
Alc: 14.3%
pH: 3.39
TA: 5.8g/l
VA: 0.7g/l
RS: 2.6g/l
