The pale pink colour belies the concentration of perfumes and flavours; red berries from the Shiraz, a floral, aromatic note from Viognier, with hints of white peach, while the Semillon supplies freshness. Elegant, with low enough alcohol to drink on its own as an aperitif, it is individual and characterful, offering a different take on usual rosé styles.

70% Shiraz, 17% Semillon, 13% Viognier

Located in the foothillsof thetowering Helderbergmountains, a mere 6km from False Bay and within sight of the Atlantic Ocean, these relatively high altitude vineyards enjoy the full benefit of cooling sea breezes and rolling ocean mists. The southern sloping, well-drained sand, gravel and granitic clay soils contribute to an ideal terroir promoting a natural balance between the vigour of the young vines and their yields.

Age of Vines: Planted in 2008 and 2009
Clone: Shiraz: SH9; Viognier VR1A
Yield: 6 tons/ha

Grapes are handpicked at 22.5 to 23° Balling in the morning when the weather is cooler, and placed in small lug boxes which reduces compaction and damage to the fruit. The grapes are then hand sorted on sorting tables.

Until we have our own cellar, we are using cellar space at Zorgvliet where their winemaker Niel Moorhouse is helping us with our first few harvests. The wine had about 6 months lees contact before bottling in October and is unoaked.