10 March 2004

We’re often asked whether Cloof has the same kind of vintage variations that European vignerons experience. With harvest almost complete, the 2004 vintage is beginning to take shape.

Chenin Blanc has delivered on its initial promise. We have in tank a wine with a wonderfully expressive nose, and a zesty palate. Christopher is happy, because his personal consumption alternates between white wine and rosé, and this is his kind of wine.

The three components that will make up our Rosé are still separate. The bulk of it – Cinsaut – has a delicious, elegant fruitiness. To this we’ll add the portions drawn from fully ripe Pinotage and Shiraz, which will fill out the palate and add complexity. The Shiraz rosé is particularly exciting, with the most stunning fruit concentration. We’re looking forward to getting this wine into bottle.

We’ve made a preparatory selection for Cloof Pinotage 2004, as we need to begin filling barrels (to clear tanks in preparation for the final batches of Cabernet and Merlot that will be harvested next week). Volumes are substantially up on last year, but the heat wave on 4 January (when temperatures hit 45 ºC in the vineyards) seems to have affected the Pinotage more than other varieties. Consequently there are batches with drier tannins than in 2003. Overall, alcohol levels are lower – there shouldn’t be anything above 15%, as we’ve had in the past.

The Cabernets seem to be more ‘european’ in style this year. They have lower alcohol, and a tighter, more elegant structure. Final conclusions can, however, only be made in a few weeks’ time.

While the volume of Cloof Shiraz 2004 is more-or-less the same as in 2003, we have a lot more Shiraz for Dusty Road and Bush Vines. Overall we’re very happy with the quality of these wines.