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Wine:
Cloof Lynchpin 2006
Origin:
Darling
Varietal:
Merlot 70%, Cabernet Franc 30%
Vintage:
2006
Tasting note:
The overall impression is gorgeous, with all the taut elegance to be expected from Cabernet Franc and the tart richness of Merlot. 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
Trellising:
None (bush vines)
Irrigation:
None
Soil:
Decomposed granite and Tukulu
Position:
East-facing slopes
CELLAR INFORMATION
Harvest date:
Merlot: 2 February, Cabernet Franc: 6 February
Harvest Sugar:
Merlot: 25.5 °B, Cabernet Franc: 24.5 °B
Yield:
Merlot: 2.5 tons/ha, Cabernet Franc: 1.5 tons/ha
Fermentation:
Merlot: Crushed grapes were cold macerated for three days, then inoculated with yeast. Juice fermented on the skins for eight days at 30 °C after it was pressed.
Cabernet Franc: Grapes were destemmed and inoculated immediately. Fermented on the skins for 5 days at 32 °C. The wines were blended after alcoholic fermentation was completed.
Maturation:
The blend was transferred to French oak barrels (75% new) where it matured for 18 months.
Bottling date:
15 Aug 2007
Alc:
14.02 %
RS:
3.84 g/l
Extr:
31.3 g/l
pH:
3.84
TA:
6.1 g/l
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