Oak ValleyCase of Platter 3.5* Elgin Shiraz 2015 (R79.84 per Bottle, 6 Bottles)

About

Oak Valley Estate was founded in 1898 by Sir Antonie Viljoen, a medical doctor who graduated from Edinburgh University in Scotland. Sir Antonie was also a Senator in the Cape Parliament and was knighted in 1916 for his efforts to bring together Boer and Brit in the bitter aftermath of the Boer War.

He was a farmer extraordinaire, and amongst his many farming achievements were the establishment of the first commercial deciduous fruit orchards in the Elgin valley. These orchards were the precursor to the development of the apple industry in Elgin, which remains the economic backbone of the valley to this day.

His vision was similarly reflected in a decision to plant a substantial area of vineyard for wine grape production. This was followed in 1908 by the commissioning of the first wine cellar in the Elgin valley. Regretfully the cellar was taken out of production in the early 1940's.

Up until that time the Elgin valley was regarded as a low potential agricultural area, but Sir Antonie's vision was to change this perception forever.

Today the Elgin valley is renowned for its apples and pears, its greenhouse cutflowers, its rose growing, and, increasingly, for the production of high quality cool climate wines.

Product Features:

• 6 Bottles
• Vintage: 2015
• Type : Shiraz 
• Area of Origin: Elgin, Western Cape
• Technical Analysis:
• Alcohol : 14% vol
• Residual sugar: 2.2 g/l
• pH: 3.3
• Total Acidity: 5.5 g/l
• Platter 3.5*

Tasting Notes

In terms of style, the Oak Valley Shiraz reminds you of the wines of the northern Rhône. It flaunts a nose infused with inviting aromas of spicy smoke and boiled sweets. On the ripe but graceful palate, the taste buds are treated to cherry fruit and black plum flavours. Meticulous usage of new oak has resulted in ever so soft, seamless tannins. The aftertaste persists with dark chocolate flavours. While the wine is ready for instant enjoyment, it can also be cellared for up to 5 years.

About the Harvest

Grapes are harvested from a single north-facing block (3.08 ha). Bunches are hand sorted, de-stemmed and berry sorted before going into tank, where a partial, whole-berry fermentation takes place. After cold maceration takes place for 7 days, yeast is added and fermentation continues for 10-14 days at fairly cool temperatures with 2-3 pump-overs p/day. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrel where the wine further matures for 14 months in French oak (22% new, the rest 2nd and older oak to allow for a more integrated and sophisticated oak regime).

Vineyards

• Aspect: North facing
• Elevation: 350-385m
• Soil type: Medium texture gravelly soils with structured clay layer
• Clones: SH 21, 22
• Rootstock: 101-14
• Planting date: 2006
• Ha planted: 3.075 ha
• Irrigation: Drip irrigation, post-harvest mostly
• Trellis system: Extended Perold
• Vines per ha: 2132-2667 vines
• Harvest date: 5-16 March 2015