Grapes were harvested from two adjacent blocks of unirrigated 44 year old vines planted in 1974 in the “horse shoe” just above the town of Wellington. The vines grow in Tukulu soil, a well-drained decomposed granite soil, yellow brown in colour. The vineyard is a certified heritage vineyard under South Africa’s Old Vine Project, designed to preserve the surviving old vineyards of South Africa. Harvested between 23° and 24° Balling, grapes were whole-bunch pressed and settled before being fermented in barrel and tank with natural wild yeast. The press was very gentle, yielding only around 550 litres of juice per tonne for optimum quality. The wine was matured in both French oak barrels and tank, with one new tight grain 500-litre barrel and two seasoned barrels, plus 700 litres of tank fermented wine. Fermentation was very slow helping build a beautiful texture for the wine. 2,830 bottles were produced. The label illustration is from a page in an 18th century book on hunting in Southern Africa, a time when painted wolves were common throughout the region. Residual sugar: 1.2g/l. Bottled at 13.5%. (Bottle size 750ml)

Nose: An inviting bouquet unfolds with zesty lemon peel and crisp green apple, delicately accented by hints of white peach and a whisper of tropical pineapple. A subtle note of honey and a trace of flinty minerality add an extra layer of intrigue.

Palate: On the palate, the wine reveals a vibrant tapestry of orchard fruits, lively citrus, fresh green apple, and a touch of pear. The old vine concentration imparts a pleasing richness and a slight creaminess, lending both depth and finesse to its texture.

Finish: The finish is long and precise, with a burst of refreshing acidity and is elegantly supported by a delicate mineral lift.

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