Tuesday 8 December 2009

TN : The Tin Mine 2007, Zevenwacht, Stellenbosch, South Africa


This wine was sealed with a screwcap.

At 340 meters above sea level, the Sauvignon Blanc vineyards are the most elevated at Zevenwacht. Three clones are planted that perfectly suit the lofty southern slopes of the Kuils River hills. The decomposed granite soils include desirable clay elements that retain moisture during the drier months of ripening, yet, as a result of the prominent gravel fractions, allow for excellent drainage. The grapes were fermented at cool temperatures and with extended post fermentation lees contact.

The Chardonnay vineyard is from a site that faces almost west and is on the lower slopes of the Kuils River hills. The clone is 166, a clone that imparts a wonderful Muscat aroma. The golden yellow grapes were harvested at 24 degrees Brix and lightly crushed. After pressing the juice was settled and racked to first and second fill 5001 barrels and second fill French Hogheads. Fermentation took place with selected yeasts and lasted almost three weeks with the temperature never rising above 24 degrees Celsius. Regular bâtonnage (lees stirring) helped in the development o the creamy texture .

The Viognier comes from the warmer Northern slopes of the Banhoek area. The ripe grapes were whole-bunch pressed. After settling the clear juice was racked to first and second fill 5001 barrels and second fill French Hogheads, where it fermented and matured for six months. Assemblage took place after nine months and the wine was stirred on the lees for a further four months.

This wine is a blend of 42% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Chardonnay. and 23% Viognier.

The winemaker was Jacques Viljoen. The pH was 3,37, the residual sugar was 2.6 grammes per litre, and the total acidity was 6.00 grammes per litre.



This wine was imported by Sharabu AB.

Colour : Lemon/yellow

Aroma : Oak, nuts, yellow plums, mandarin

Taste : Little too much oak, yellow plums, lemon pledge polish, mandarin

Alcohol : 13.5%

Price : 119 SEK

Mark : C+

Website : Zevenwacht Wine Estate
Website : Sharabu AB

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