Anwilka - Media packs

Anwilka is a joint venture between eminent Bordeaux winemakers Bruno Prats and Hubert de Boüard, and Lowell Jooste of Klein Constantia Estate.

Varieties:

63% Cabernet Sauvignon and 37% Syrah.

Vineyards:

Anwilka's vineyards are situated in the prime red wine region of the Helderberg in Stellenbosch. Maritime influence, due to proximity to False Bay, ensures cooling breezes throughout the hot summer. Soils are medium potential, leading to favourably low vine vigour. Emphasis on viticulture has produced consistently healthy vineyards, and hydric stress is avoided by minimal irrigation. Yields in the 2005 vintage, managed by rigorous pruning and green harvesting, resulted in low yields of 5.5 tons/ha (35hl/ha).

Winemaking:

Grapes were harvested in small crates in March 2005, with bunches being sorted before destemming, and the berries re-sorted prior to crushing. The crusher was positioned above the stainless steel tronconic tanks to allow gravity-feeding. Lengthy pump-overs and extended maceration ensured gentle extraction of ripe polyphenols.
Wines were matured separately in new (75%) and 2nd fill French oak for 7 months before being blended, spending a further 2 months in oak before bottling.

Tasting Notes:

Colour: deep ruby core, with youthful ruby-pink rim.
Nose: fresh, well-ripened red berry fruit aromas combine with roasted spices, crushed black pepper and toasty oak aromas.
Palate: distinctive freshness and elegance, with ample, mouthfilling blackcurrant fruit and cinnamon flavours. Ripe tannins, in perfect balance with fruit, acid and alcohol, impart sufficient structure and supple texture. Good length, with a positively clean and flavourful finish.
Potential: broachable now, but will develop well, and keep next 8-10 years.

Analysis:

Alcohol: 14%
TA: 4.98
pH: 3.79
RS: <2.5g/l