We’re delighted to announce the launch of Cloof Bush Vines CPS 2004 – the Cloof blend. Whereas the entry level Dusty Road, and our reserve Cloof, ranges comprise several (varietal) wines, the Bush Vines range will in future only consist of this one, blended wine. Apart from the fact that blending has the potential to create more interesting and better balanced wines, this is a wine that brings together the pillars upon which Cloof is built:

Wine of Origin Darling
It is the intensity of the Darling summer that forges our wines. The fruit ripens to syrupy sweetness; the flavours intensely concentrated because of the tiny crop that the vineyards carry. The prevailing southerly wind protects the fruit from rot, and at night cloaks the vineyards in chilly, flavour-preserving air blown in from the near-by Atlantic Ocean.

Dryland Bush Vines
There are easier ways of making wine, but we believe that – under local conditions – dryland bush vines are not only necessary, but also integral to the unique style and quality of Cloof wines. Not only do bush vines need less moisture than trellised vines, but they produce smaller berries, with thicker skins. Consequently the wines have more concentrated flavour. The CPS blend is based on grapes harvested from our bush vines.

44% Cabernet Sauvignon
In 2003 our 2000 Cloof Cabernet Sauvignon was the recipient of a 5 Star Award from the UK’s Decanter magazine. To the CPS blend it contributes a rich, velvety feeling in the mouth. Tannins are soft and gentle.

29% Pinotage
Our 1999 Cloof Pinotage was voted SA’s Champion in 2001. Pinotage’s Rhône-like spiciness and good tannin structure are an invaluable contribution to the CPS blend.

27% Shiraz
Darling is Shiraz heaven, typified by our flagship 2003 Cloof Crucible Shiraz, which is one of South Africa’s most awarded wines. The gorgeous opulence of Shiraz is an important part of the CPS blend.

French Oak
We only use French oak. We see its role as a supporting one – the sophisticated flavours of good oak add seasoning, while the wood tannins prevent the richness of the fruit from cloying the palate. Approximately 40% of the CPS blend was aged in new French Oak for nearly 15 months.