Cloof Inkspot Vin Noir 2007
| Wine: |  | Inkspot Vin Noir 2007 |
| Origin: | Darling | |
| Cultivar: | 58% Pinotage, 34% Shiraz, Cinsaut 6%, Cabernet Sauvignon 2% | |
| Vintage: | 2007 | |
| Tasting note: | Darling is a unique spot for growing grapes. In its deep clay soils, the roots of unirrigated vines burrow to depths of more than 8 metres in search of moisture. After expending all this effort a vine may often produce less than one litre of wine. The effect of the cooling breezes off the nearby Atlantic Ocean is to preserve flavour in the berries. Inkspot – a wine of inky concentration with an unparalleled richness in the mouth. The prime expression of low-yielding, dryland bush vines. Suitable for pairing with spicy modern cuisine, or even as an on-the-rocks aperitif in summer. | |
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| Vineyard Information | ||
| Age of vines: | Pinotage 1998 & 2000, Shiraz 1999, Cinsaut 1971, Cabernet 1992 | |
| Trellising: | Pinotage bush vines, Shiraz trellised, Cinsaut bush vines, Cabernet bush vines | |
| Irrigation: | Pinotage, Cinsaut, Cabernet dryland, Shiraz drip irrigation | |
| Soil: | Decomposed granite & Oakleaf | |
| Position: | East facing slopes | |
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| Cellar information | ||
| Harvest date: | Pinotage January 25, Shiraz March 10, Cinsaut February 20, Cabernet February 23 | |
| Sugar at harvest: | Pinotage 25.5ºB, Shiraz 24.5ºB, Cinsaut 21ºB, Cabernet 24ºB | |
| Yield: | Pinotage 3 to 5 Ton/Ha, Shiraz 8 Ton/Ha, Cinsaut 5.5Ton/Ha, Cabernet Sauvignon 5 Ton/Ha | |
| Fermentation: | The Pinotage had 3 days of cold soak at 10ºC before inoculation and then fermented for a further 5 days on the skins at 30ºC before pressing. The Shiraz was directly inoculated with yeast and fermented for 5 days at 32ºC and macerated for a further 10 days before being pressed. The Cinsaut was directly inoculated with yeast and went through cold fermentation at 26ºC for 8 days. Cabernet Sauvignon had direct inoculation with yeast and warm fermentation at 30ºC | |
| Maturation: | After malolactic fermentation in tanks, the Shiraz, Cinsaut and Cabernet matured for a further 18 months in tank before blending. The Pinotage aged in French oak for 15 months before being transferred and blended. After fining and a light filtration the wine was bottled. | |
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| Bottling date | Jun 2009 | |
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| Alc: | 14.00 % | |
| RS: | 2.00 g/l | |
| Extr: | 30.00 g/l | |
| pH: | 3.88 | |
| TA: | 5.9g/l g/l | |
