Saronsberg Die Erf Shiraz 2006

This single barrel selection from low yielding vineyards (30hl/ha) that grow on sparse shale soils epitomises Saronsberg’s passion for Shiraz. The grapes were hand picked, bunch sorted, destemmed and berry sorted on vibration tables. The berries were gently crushed into a satellite tank and deposited in the fermenters for a cold soak of 4 days. During fermentation the skins were mainly punched down by hand with the total time on the skins being 15 days. The wine was then pressed into 100% new 300 Litre French Allier oak barrels where it completed malolactic fermentation. After a total of 18 months in barrel the wine was given a light egg white fining and filtered through a coarse sheet filter prior to bottling. Tasting note: The Shiraz shows an intense colour with dark fruit, fynbos and spicy flavours. The palate is full bodied with hints of violets and oak spice. The tannins are well structured with an elegant dry finish.

Winemaker: Dewaldt Heyns