Reserve

2005 Cobblers Hill

Description

Cobblers Hill is the ultimate expression of an outstanding wine from the Stellenbosch terroir.The 2005 is a blend of 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc.

Variety

43% Cabernet Sauvignon; 42% Merlot; 15% Cabernet Franc

Vineyards

The Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc were harvested from the 14 year old, west facing, Cobblers Hill vineyard, situated on decomposed granite soils (Hutton & Glenrosa soil form). This vineyard produces smaller berries ensuring concentrated fruit flavours. (Merlot clones 192 & 36 on R110 rootstock; Cabernet Sauvignon clones 27 & 14 on 101-14 rootstock & Cabernet Franc clone 1D on R110 rootstock).

Harvest Date

The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were harvested on 4th March 2005 at 25.7°B, the Merlot grapes were harvested on the 28th February 2005 at 25.6°B and the Cabernet Franc grapes were harvested on 7th March 2005 at 24.4°B.

Winemaking

Fermented in overhead retort-shaped, stainless steel fermentors at 28°C. Three pump-overs were done daily over the fermenting cap.After pressing, the wine was racked to barrel where it finished malo-lactic fermentation. A selection of the best barrels was made and the wine spent a total of 26 months in 225 litre French oak barrels. After a light filtration the wine was bottled on the 6 June 2007.

Tasting Notes

Complex dark chocolate, black cherry and cassis intertwine with opulent blackberry fruit, and hints of mint and toasty vanilla. This is a big mouthfilling wine, with densely layered ripe tannins, beautifully balanced and refined – the ultimate expression of the Jordan terroir.

Analysis

Alc: 15.0%; TA: 5.9g/l; pH: 3.56; RS: 2.5g/l