Cloof Lynchpin 2005

The overall impression is gorgeous, with all the taut elegance to be expected from Cabernet Franc, the tart richness of Merlot, and the take-no-prisoners power of Cabernet Sauvignon. Barrel maturation took place in French Oak, of which about 75% was new, giving the wine a very classic (well-balanced) tannin structure. The aftertaste lingers for a good while, ending in a lip-smacking, appetite-inducing freshness.

We believe that Cabernet Franc plays the critically important role in this blend. It is therefore the lynchpin, hence the name of the wine.

VINEYARD INFORMATION

Age of Vines:

Merlot planted in 1998

Cabernet Franc planted in 1999

Cabernet Sauvignon planted in 1995

Trellising:

None (bush vines)

Irrigation:

None

Soil:

Decomposed granite and Tukulu

Position:

East-facing slopes

CELLAR INFORMATION

Harvest date:

Harvest Sugar:

25 - 27 °B

Yield:

4 tons/hectare

Fermentation:

Merlot: Crushed grapes were cold macerated for 48hrs, then inoculated with yeast. Juice fermented on the skins for eight days at 31 °C after it was pressed.

Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc: Grapes were destemmed and inoculated immediately. Cabernet Sauvignon fermented on the skins for three weeks at 32 °C before it was pressed. Cabernet Franc fermented on the skins for 10 days at 32 °C. The three wines were blended after alcoholic fermentation was completed.

Maturation:

The blend was transferred to French oak barrels (75% new) where it matured for 14 months.

Bottling date:

Aug 2006

Alc:

14.50 %

RS:

3.30 g/l

Extr:

33.10 g/l

pH:

3.69

TA:

6.2 g/l