Spier BIB Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot

WINEMAKER:
Lizanne Jordaan

ORIGIN:
Coastal region

TERROIR / SOIL:
Weathered scale soils

VINEYARD AND CLIMATE CONDITIONS:
The grapes for this wine came from three drip-irrigated vineyard blocks planted in 1997, 1999 and 2001. They produce 9 to 10 tons per hectare on average. A Perold trellis system is used. The terrain features flat areas as well as southeast- and northwest-facing slopes. This low winter rainfall area has warm summer temperatures (an average of 35ºC) and cold winter nights.

WINEMAKING:
Grapes were both hand- and machine-harvested at optimal ripeness, de-stemmed and gently crushed. Cold maceration took place at 10 – 12ºC for two to three days for optimum colour and flavour extraction, prior to fermentation in stainless steel tanks for seven to 14 days. Daily pump-overs were done to enhance colour and flavour extraction, before the selected tanks from the different vineyard blocks were selected and blended. Wine was matured for 12 months in stainless steel tanks prior to sterile bottling.

APPEARANCE:
Deep ruby red in colour.

TASTING NOTE:
A luscious wine with lovely ripe raspberries, plums and subtle oak on the nose. Following through to a juicy palate of ripe berry compote, subtle vanilla and a good tannin structure provide a lingering aftertaste.

SERVE WITH:
Roast beef casserole or slow-cooked tomato stew with lamb shanks.