Signal Hill Clos d'Oranje Syrah 2013

This single vineyard is the only Cape Town city wine, nested at the foot of Table Mountain. Planted in 2001, this pure syrah is rooted directly on vitis-vinifera, making it susceptible to phyloxera. It is a rarity in the world of wine. These high density planted vines (12000 vine per hectare density) are non-irrigated and cultivated by hand following biodynamic principle since 2010. Platter’s 4stars and half.

Winemaking: The 2013 vintage was fermented with destemmed grapes from hand harvested bunches. Natural yeast fermented in an open tank, punched down twice a day for the first 7 days with no remontage. Total fermentation took 12 days, pressed in a basket press, press wines were incorporated in the final wine. Malolactic fermentation in the barrels, French oak, Nevers 225 litres, 4 years old wood for 20 months

Tasting: Sweet ripe red and black fruits, hints if white pepper, burlat cherry type. Very smooth velvety palate, long structured finish. To drink now or over the next 5 years.

Pairing: Grilled springbok loin with a black pepper sauce, celeriac and potato mash.

Production: 470 bottles of 750ml – 10 magnums of 1500ml

Analysis
Alcohol: 13.8%
Residual Sugar: 2.3 g/l
pH: 3.73
Total sulphur 78ppm