First Sighting Chardonnay Semillon Viognier 2008

Vintage: A mild winter with good rain and cold enough temperatures gave our vineyards a well-deserved rest. Mild conditions continued in spring with some wind damage. The 4 hectare Chardonnay block is planted on the exposed South Eastern Slope of the Elim Wine Ward, only 7 km from the remote beach of Rietfontein. Here this sensitive cultivar has to battle with cold gale-force winds fresh off the Atlantic Ocean. Extremely low yields were obtained; 0.9 ton/ha and the very small berries handpicked on 8th February 2008. The Semillon and Viognier were harvested almost 2 weeks later.

Grape varieties: 61% Chardonnay 27% Semillon 12% Viognier

Age of vines: 4 - 5 years

Clone: CY 5, GD1D, VR 1, VR 642B,

Vinification: Innovative wine making techniques: cold fermentation with selected yeast strains in stainless steel tanks and lees contact for four months.

Bottling Date: 28 July 2008

Wine analysis: Alc: 12.28 % alc/vol; pH : 3.38; TA : 5.58 ; Sugar : 3.0 g/l

Tasting comments: Fresh citrus and crisp apple flavours that surprise with peach and floral undertones combined with indigenous Elim fynbos aromas. Light and fruity with a clean minerality on the aftertaste.