TASTING NOTES
Deep purple with crimson edges. Aromas of blackberry, dark cherry, and cracked black pepper, accented by violet florals, black olive and subtle smoked meat. Medium-bodied with juicy dark fruits, fine-grained tannins, and a spicy backbone. Minimal oak lets the maritime minerality shine through, adding freshness. Balanced acidity carries to a persistent finish with hints of liquorice and earth.
VINIFICATION
Hand-harvested March 15, 2024, destemmed and cold soaked for two days prior to whole berry fermenting in open-top fermenters over two weeks. Matured in aged oak barriques for ten months before racking and bottling in March 2025.
VINTAGE 2024
After an unusually warm and dry winter, the growing season started 2-3 weeks earlier than usual. Ample Spring rainfall and moderate temperatures were welcome, which evolved into an extremely dry summer, assisting the ripening process, producing higher than average yields but preserving full flavours and acidity.
VITICULTURE
Soils: Eocene/Holocene Dermosols of loamy clay and sand.
Varietals & Clones: Syrah (PT23 and Bests Old Block) on own roots.
Aspect/Planted: North-south orientation, planted in 1997-1998.
Vine Density: 2222 vines/ha (3m row width, 1.5m vine spacing).
Canopy Management: Vertical shoot positioning (VSP) trellising with cordon-trained two-bud spur pruning.
Yield: 2 tonnes/acre.
Harvest: Hand-harvested on 15 March 2024.
