La ViergeHemel en Aarde Anthelia Syrah 2016 (R116.50 per Bottle, 6 Bottles)
R649
About
These Walker Bay vineyards of Hemel en Aarde Ridge are situated within close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The maritime climate being more “temperate” in style, where parallel mountain ranges channel the southerly sea breezes through the appellation during the summer. These winds, in turn, bring regular sea mists and overcast conditions to the valley and with it more even temperatures. The average temperature is 19°C and rainfall, approximately, 750mm per year.
The Harvest
The 2 blocks of Shiraz were harvested separately by hand enjoying cool early morning temperatures. The grapes were harvested in 2 different batches throughout March. This was carried out in order to add complexity to the wines’ profile. Earlier picking to capture aromatic freshness and later picking for body and weight.
Product Features
- 6 Bottles
- Vintage: 2016
- Varietal: 100% Shiraz
- Wine of origin: Hemel-en-Aarde-Valley, Western Cape
- Soil Type: Deep Clay soils of the Bokkeveld series
- Aspect: North and North West
- Age of Vines: 5 and 6 years
- Vines per hectare: 5500
- Technical Analysis:
- Alcohol : 13.5% vol
- Total Acidity 5.5 g/l
- pH 3.49
- Residual Sugar 2.2g/l
In the cellar
After overnight cold storage grapes were de-stemmed and crushed into red ferment tanks. Cold maceration occurred for 3 – 7 days. The wine was then fermented under controlled temperatures until dry. The skins were then lightly pressed and the wine racked into a selection of American & French Oak Barriques (25% new barrels) for 16 months ageing and maturation. Final blending occurred 2 months prior to bottling and the wine was allowed to develop further in bottle prior to release.
Tasting Notes
This 92 Point Tim Atkins, is an elegant expression of cool-climate Shiraz. It exhibits soft plum, dark cherry and complex spicy notes of pepper, cinnamon, cloves and crushed coriander. The palate is full and lush, broad on entry with rich in dark fruits.
Enjoy now or for the next 5 years.
Writer's block
Ours is about 3 feet by 3 feet, and on our left is the account's block. The marketing block is down the hall.
We're joking. Obviously.
Ours is at least 5 by 5, and on Wednesdays we're allowed to write in coffee shops to maintain the illusion that we're "successful" and "writerly".
Coming up with a write up for the simple sake of a write up does, however, become difficult when we're staring complete lack of creativity right in the face. But apparently asking management to cancel all the deals for the day isn't a viable fix.
As they so delicately put it, it'd be like a comedian having the option to suddenly cancel a show if they're not feeling up to it. Not on our watch, they said. You'll do a write up whether you like it or not, they said. And be funny, they said.
So here we are, doing a write up and being funny.