Inkspot Vin Noir 2007

Darling is a unique spot for growing grapes. In its deep clay soils, the roots of unirrigated vines burrow to depths of more than 8 metres in search of moisture. After expending all this effort a vine may often produce less than one litre of wine.

The effect of the cooling breezes off the nearby Atlantic Ocean is to preserve flavour in the berries.

Inkspot – a wine of inky concentration with an unparalleled richness in the mouth. The prime expression of low-yielding, dryland bush vines. Suitable for pairing with spicy modern cuisine, or even as an on-the-rocks aperitif in summer.

VINEYARD INFORMATION

Age of Vines:

Pinotage 1998 & 2000, Shiraz 1999, Cinsaut 1971, Cabernet 1992

Trellising:

Pinotage bush vines, Shiraz trellised, Cinsaut bush vines, Cabernet bush vines

Irrigation:

Pinotage, Cinsaut, Cabernet dryland, Shiraz drip irrigation

Soil:

Decomposed granite & Oakleaf

Position:

East facing slopes

CELLAR INFORMATION

Harvest date: Pinotage January 25, Shiraz March 10, Cinsaut February 20, Cabernet February 23

Harvest Sugar:

Pinotage 25.5ºB, Shiraz 24.5ºB, Cinsaut 21ºB, Cabernet 24ºB

Yield:

Pinotage 3 to 5 Ton/Ha, Shiraz 8 Ton/Ha, Cinsaut 5.5Ton/Ha, Cabernet Sauvignon 5 Ton/Ha

Fermentation:

The Pinotage had 3 days of cold soak at 10ºC before inoculation and then fermented for a further 5 days on the skins at 30ºC before pressing. The Shiraz was directly inoculated with yeast and fermented for 5 days at 32ºC and macerated for a further 10 days before being pressed. The Cinsaut was directly inoculated with yeast and went through cold fermentation at 26ºC for 8 days. Cabernet Sauvignon had direct inoculation with yeast and warm fermentation at 30ºC

Maturation:

After malolactic fermentation in tanks, the Shiraz, Cinsaut and Cabernet matured for a further 18 months in tank before blending. The Pinotage aged in French oak for 15 months before being transferred and blended. After fining and a light filtration the wine was bottled.

Bottling date:

Jun 2009

Alc:

14.00 %

RS:

2.00 g/l

Extr:

30.00 g/l

pH:

3.88

TA:

5.9g/l g/l