Oak Valley Merlot / Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2007

Technical Analysis

Winemaker - Pieter Visser
Main Variety - Merlot
Alcohol - 14.0 %vol
pH - 3.57
RS - 2.8 g/l
Total Acid - 5.4 g/l
Appellation - Elgin

Characteristics

Type - Red
Style - Dry
Body - Medium


Tasting Notes

Medium-deep red. Expressive, pure, merlot-dominated aromas of redcurrant, liquorice, mocha, mint and menthol. Plump, sweet and harmonious, with plum and tobacco leaf flavours nicely framed by supporting acidity. Finishes with dusty tannins.

Blend Information

56% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Franc, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon

In The Vineyard

Aspect : South-West facing slopes
Elevation : 310m – 580m
Soil Type : Medium texture gravelly soils with a structured clay layer
Rootstock : R99, R110, Ruggeri 140
Planting Date : 1999 - 2001
Irrigation : Post harvest irrigation only
Trellising : Extended Perold
Plant Density : 2 564 – 3 333 vines / ha

About The Harvest

Harvest Date : 09 March 2007 – 22 March 2007
Grapes were harvested at around 24.5 °Balling.

Analysis at Harvest:
Sugar: 25.2 – 25.8°B
Total acid: 4.5 – 5.9
pH: 3.42 – 3.66

In The Cellar

After bunch and berry sorting of grapes, the juice was cold soaked for 5 days before yeast was added. 3 pumpovers took place per day and a few punchdowns, after fermentation a few days skin contact before pressing. Malolactic fermentation in SS Tank and then to 300 litre barrels for 18 months. 68% new French oak and the remainder 2nd fill.

Date of Bottling: 30 January 2009


Other Vintages

Wine Wine Maker Main Variety
Oak Valley Merlot / Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2008 Pieter Visser Merlot
Oak Valley Merlot / Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2007 Pieter Visser Merlot
Oak Valley Merlot / Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2006 Pieter Visser Merlot
  +27.218592510       +27.218593405       wines@oak-valley.co.za
Oak Valley, P.O. Box 30, Elgin, 7180, South Africa