Chardonnay joins the Cloof line-up for the first time, with the release of the 2004 Dusty Road Chardonnay unwooded. Produced from the only trellised vineyard on Cloof, the grapes were harvested early in the season, in order to preserve natural acidity. The lack of irrigation in this vineyard is a double-edged sword – the flavours are concentrated, but the downside is that the vines have less foliage, which leaves the bunches more exposed to direct sunlight.

Our switch to screw cap (Stelvin) is in progress. The first Cloof wines to utilise this closure are the 2004 Dusty Road Chenin Blanc and Rosè. Our reason for this is simple – it's the only way we can ensure that our wine reaches consumers' glasses in pristine condition (assuming ideal conditions in the distribution channel). Initially we are offering the choice of cork or screw cap with these wines, but expect to change over completely by the 2005 vintage.

6 July 2004

With its hot, dry summers and unirrigated vineyards, Cloof is an extreme place to make wine. Even though yields are dramatically reduced, we see this as a positive factor, leading to increased concentration in our wines.

24 May 2004

Edward de Bono observed that the mind recognises the familiar. Hence we can grow accustomed to – and like – even wine that is faulty. This is the danger us wine producers/marketers face.
 

We are delighted to report that the 2002 Cloof Pinotage was last week awarded a gold medal in the Swiss International Air Lines Wine Awards. The tasting panel, chaired by the UK’s Robert Joseph, and including Cape Wine Masters Allan Mullins, Irina van Holdt and Cornel Spies, awarded only six gold medals.