Six grape growers within the Elgin ward have joined forces to establish Elgin Vintners. The members are fortunate in that they are able to access outstanding quality grapes from within their ranks - each contributing something unique to the final product.
The 2007 Elgin Vintners Agama is our third release of this flagship blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) and Merlot (30%)
ORIGIN
Wine of Origin Elgin
VITICULTURE
The Elgin Valley has been identified as one of South Africa's premium wine growing areas. The high altitude, proximity to the sea and cool summers translate into wines that are fruit driven yet complimented by harmonious fruit and wood tannins and display both balance and elegance.
WINEMAKER
The grapes were vinified by Justin Hoy
WINEMAKING
The Merlot and Cabernet grapes were harvested and vinified separately. The final barrel selection and blending occurred just prior to bottling. A similar regime was followed for both cultivars. However the Merlot grapes were inoculated with F10 yeast and the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes with F15 yeast. Following a cold soak of four days in open fermenters, the juice was pushed through three times a day for seven days until fermentation was complete. A post fermentation maceration of a further seven days was given prior to pressing. Malolactic fermentation and 14 months further maturation occurred in French oak 225 liter barriques - of which the new wood component was 35%. The wine received an egg white fining prior to bottling on 18 August 2008.
TASTING NOTES
Agama, named for the lizard, prevalent in the indigenous fynbos vegetation adjacent to the Merlot vineyards, is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot.
Dark ruby red in colour. The nose conjures up aromas of cranberries, Christmas pudding and ripe plums. Intense berry notes are underpined by a subtle minerality with a hint of spicy cigar box. Elegant fruit combines well with the spicy toasty tannins imparted from maturation in French oak barrels lending a lovely weight on the mid palate and well balanced and lingering mouthfeel. This wine will benefit from further bottle maturation.
ANALYSIS
Alcohol
Total Acid
Residual sugar
pH
14.38 (14% on label)
6.4g/l
2.7g/l
3.45
PACKAGING
Claret Bottle number 438 Cork Closure
Barcode 6009 8144 3007-6 (per single bottle)
7555 liters / 1643 cases (6 x 750ml) produced
Tel: +27 (0)21 859 2779 | Fax: +27 (0)86 646 3693 | Email: elginvintner@mweb.co.za
Morningstar Farm, Oudebrug Road, Elgin, Western Cape, South Africa
