SITUATION OF VINEYARDS: ± 300 - 370 m above sea level on the south-eastern slopes of the Simonsberg, trellised, dryland vineyards.
AGE OF VINES: 12 – 19 years
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 2.37 g/l
TOTAL ACIDITY: 6.51 g/l
ALCOHOL BY VOLUME: 14,5 vol/%
pH: 3,57
DEGREES BALLING AT HARVEST: 25,1 – 26,2 °B
TEMPERATURE AT FERMENTATION: 24 - 26 °C
FERMENTATION: The grapes were destalked and fermented in stainless steel tanks. The juice was pumped over the skins for 2 – 3 hours daily to extract colour, tannins and flavour.
Fermentation lasted 6 – 8 days. Once fermentation was complete, the wine spent a further 6 days on the skins. The wine was then racked off the skins and malolactic fermentation was completed in the tank before the wine was transferred to barrels.
PERIOD IN WOOD: 11 -17 months in French oak barrels – first, second and third fill.
SIZE OF BARRELS: 225 & 300 litres
TOASTING: Medium and M+
CELLARMASTER’S COMMENTS: The wine has a vibrant bright red colour, with whiffs of vanilla, violets and minerals on the nose. On taste it shows spiciness, backed with blackberries and plums. As with the previous vintage, it is made in a bold style with firm tannins and structure to support the wine for many years to come.
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Plaisir de Merle
Chardonnay Paarl 2003
Flashy style, with lots of fig, butter, pineapple and brioche
aromas and flavors. Lush palate, with a soft, creamy finish. Could use
a little more zip, but will certainly have fans. Drink now. 700 cases
made. (JM)
Plaisir de Merle
Shiraz Paarl 2003
Ripe blackberry and cassis fruit with racy acidity and a
minerally, smoky finish. Solid. Drink now through 2006. 1,000 cases made.
(JM)
Nederburg 2003 Western
Cape Pinotage
87 Points
Saturated with plum and blueberry fruit, this smooth,
smoky pinotage is soft and relatively light. Pair it with the dark meat
of game birds or turkey.
2005 Nederburg
Sauvignon Blanc, Western Cape
A Best Buy
This wine has a vegetal character, but tropical fruit
flavors are just as dominant. Intense flavors and aromas, lively acidity
and a warm finish make this an ideal match for oily foods. Imported by
Dreyfus, Ashby & Co.
2003 Nederburg
Pinotage
Western Cape
A Best Buy
This ruby-red wine has a lot to offer. It offers vanilla,
spice, Maraschino cherry and cola in the nose, while the palate is packed
with more cherry, vanilla, a mild minerality and some lemon notes. It
finishes smooth, with coffee and spice. Imported by Dreyfus, Ashby &
Co.
2002 Nederburg
Shiraz
Western Cape
A Best Buy
On the nose, plum and juicy berry are joined by cocoa
powder and vanilla. With ir, grilled meat aromas emerge. The palate starts
out a bit sweet with vanilla, but quickly picks up fruit, spice and charred
meat notes. All this in a package that is soft without being simple.
