Lourensford Limited Release White Blend 2012 (6/case) (R169/BOTTLE)

A cool winter allowed vines to go into proper dormancy. We were expecting a very different scenario with the cool start to spring and early summer which we thought would delay the start of the harvest. Then suddenly, the heat rose in early January and again in early February. However, for the most part, February and March were relatively mild, making for long, slow and very beneficial ripening. What also enhanced quality was the drop in night time temperatures that in some instances was 1.5°C to 2°C lower compared with the average for February. This helped fruit to retain aromas and flavours.

 

Harvest dates were February – March 2012.

 

In The Vineyard

 

Altitude: 200m above sea level, overlooking False Bay only 8km away and cooled by its sea breezes.
Age of vines: 12 years
Slopes: Situated on a Western facing slope
Row direction: South-West to North-East on terraces
Soil type: Tukulu soil

 

Analysis

 

Alcohol: 13.5 vol %
pH: 3.04
Total acid: 7.7 g/l
RS: 2.6 g/l
Closure: Hand selected quality cork

 

Wine Information

 

Cultivar: 85% Sauvignon blanc, 13% Chardonnay, 2% Viognier

Wood: 30% of the Sauvignon blanc moved to a second fill 600 liter French oak barrel halfway through fermentation. Another 30% Sauvignon blanc and the 13% Chardonnay went through spontaneous fermentation in 4th fill 300 liter barrels. The rest of the Sauvignon blanc and Viognier components started fermentation in stainless steel tank before being transferred to 3rd and 4th fill 300 liter French oak barrels to complete the fermentation. The wine spent 7 months in on its primary lees in barrel.

Bottles produced: 2590

 

Maturation Potential

 

The wine is super now, three years after vintage, yet has development potential stretching four to six years and up to 2018 under perfect cellaring conditions.

 

Food Pairing

 

This is a thought provoking wine that is best enjoyed on its own and with good company. A perfect aperitif or paired with simplistic, raw, fresh produce. This wine will also complement fresh tomato and goat’s cheese salad or a warm lemon and thyme chicken dish served with steamed vegetables like parsnips, fennel or asparagus. For the best results this wine should be decanted 30 minutes to an hour before consumption.

 

Serve this wine between 12-14 C for the best results.

 

Accolades

Terroir award – Top Wine (2016)
Michelangelo – Double Gold (2016)
Old Mutual – Silver, museum class (2016)