Grapes for the Luddite Shiraz 2009 were sourced from three Bot River vineyard sites: Luddite old block clone 9C harvested on 24 February 2009, Ou Meul harvested on 25 February 2009, Luddite young block mixed clones harvested on 1 March 2009, Luddite young block clone 5A harvested on 12 March 2009, Gabrielskloof harvested on 12 March 2009 and Luddite old block clone 1A harvested on 25 March 2009. All these different clones were fermented in small batch open fermenters. The old block was fermented in stainless steel tanks with regular pump-overs. Fermentation temperatures were higher than normal due to a non-existent cooling plant (28°C). No skin contact was given after ferment and the wines were pressed into tank to undergo malolactic fermentation. After malolactic fermentation, batches of wine showing promise were blended together and pumped into barrel. 30% new oak was used of which 95% of the barrels were French oak and 5% Hungarian oak. The rest being 2nd, 3rd and 4th-fill. The wine remained in barrels for 24 months after which they blended all the different batches together to create the best possible wine which was then bottled. 13,500 bottles were produced. Bottled at 15%. (Bottle size 750ml)

Nose: Spice driven red fruit with hints of liquorice, cinnamon and toasty wood.

Palate: Brooding dark fruit and spice. Rich, natural, sweet fruit core.

Finish: Lingering finish of savoury spice and balanced tannin.

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