Duckitt Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

The name of this wine commemorates William Duckitt, who settled in Darling in the early 1800s, and who was the scion of one of the region’s most prolific families. Many generations hence Peter Duckitt is the viticulturalist responsible for the vineyards at Cloof and Burghers Post.

Its rich, concentrated style is as synonymous with Darling as the Duckitt family.

VINEYARD INFORMATION

Age of Vines:

Merlot, 2001, Cabernet Sauvignon, 1992

Trellising:

Merlot - trellised, Cabernet Sauvignon - bush vines

Irrigation:

Merlot - drip irrigation, Cabernet Sauvignon - none

Soil:

Decomposed granite & Oakleaf

Position:

East facing slopes

CELLAR INFORMATION

Harvest date:

Merlot - January 29 & 31, Cabernet Sauvignon - February 02 to 08

Harvest Sugar:

Merlot - 25.5ºB, Cabernet Sauvignon - 24.5ºB

Yield:

Merlot - 3 Ton/Ha, Cabernet Sauvignon - 5.5 Ton/Ha

Fermentation:

The Merlot had 2 days of cold soak at 10ºC before inoculation. Fermentation lasted 8 days, with the temperature rising to 30ºC. After fermentation it macerated for a further 5 days before being pressed. The Cabernet Sauvignon was inoculated with yeast immediately after crushing and fermented for 5 days at 32ºC. Maceration lasted a further 15 days before pressing.

Maturation:

After malolactic fermentation in tanks, the wine was blended and transferred to barrels for 15 months. (43% new French oak was used) After fining and a light filtration the wine was bottled.

Bottling date:

February 2009

Alc:

14.38 %

RS:

3.40 g/l

Extr:

33.1 g/l

pH:

3.84

TA:

5.6 g/l g/l