After an indifferent month in January, we were blessed with mild, sunny days and cool nights - ideal for ripening.

It’s been a relatively long harvest so far; we started on 17 January with picking the Chardonnay in the Mietjiesvlei vineyards.   The grapes came up to the cellar looking magnificent.

Berries had beautiful freshness with concentrated flavours, and a nice tonnage as well. I’m very happy with the quality and although acidity is lower due to heat waves, no acidity was added to both Chardonnay Reserve and Janina. Wines are all below 13% Alcohol.

RRight after came the Sauvignon blanc grapes in. Our practise to remove leaves in the bunch area was very successful. We experienced no rot on bunches, and more importantly, flavours of fresh pears, apricots and wild flowers were enhanced! This wine also contains below 13% alcohol.

Our red grape varieties were harvested next, starting with Merlot, and followed by Shiraz, Cabernet franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot.

To summarize: Quality is exceptionally good. The canopy management practices worked really well, and green flavours in the wine is at an all-time low. The enhancement of fruit is really great! The enhancement of fruit is really great!

I envision these wines to be subtle, whispers in the glass! Complexity will slowly built up while discovering lots of little flavours on the tongue! These wines will be tight, elegant, fresh, and will linger on the taste buds and make you dream …