Cape Heights Shiraz Western Cape 2023 Western Cape, South Africa
Vibrant Shiraz from the Western Cape.
The vineyards for this Shiraz clamber up the foothills of the Swartland mountains that are comprised of sandstone and alluvial soils. This region is hot and dry which forces these unirrigated vines to work hard to produce low yields and small berries. Produced from only free run juice and fermented on skins in stainless steel tanks, a portion of the grapes are whole bunch fermented as the ripe stems add to the overall tannin quality of the wine. The remainder of the grapes are destemmed and pressed. After a third of the sugar has fermented, delestage is done once per day. The wine is drawn off at the bottom of the tank and transferred into a separate tank. Once complete, it is then transferred back into the fermentation tank onto the skins and stems. This method ensures more air is incorporated into the wine which helps to release the fresh, fruity and spicy aromas known so well in this wine. When the final blend has been made, it is aged on fine lees for an extended period in French oak barrels along with around 15% from the previous vintage. This ensures a more complex wine with greater palate weight and mouthfeel.
A vibrant juicy style of Shiraz with ripe bramble and black cherry on the nose. Fresh summer pudding fruits and gentle spice on the palate leading to a mellow and approchable finish.
