Miles Mossop Max Bordeaux Blend 2018
Vineyards
The vineyards are selected based on the age of the vineyard and site from various parts of Stellenbosch, mostly unirrigated and all low yielding (4 to 6 t/ha). Giving a pure expression of its environment in the wine.
Winemaking and Maturation
Bunch sorting and berry sorting takes place before gentle and partial crushing to small open wooden and stainless-steel fermenters. There is an initial cold soak period after which fermentation starts naturally and can take anything up to14 days to complete. Extraction occurs through gentle pump overs and punch downs twice a day.
Once fermentation has completed the wine may stay on the skins for an additional period of time which is dependent on the tannin development and ripeness. Drained off and pressed in a vertical basket press.
Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrel after which the wine is racked and returned to barrel for further maturation. Maturation takes place in 225 litre French oak barriques of which 38% is new and lasts for 20 months with regular rackings. Finally, no fining or filtration before bottling.
Tasting Notes
COLOUR: The wine displays a deep dark plum red center with a brilliant garnet rim.
NOSE: The nose is heady with brooding aromas of blackcurrant, blueberries, tobacco spice and cedar notes. There is a beautiful support of toasted vanilla spice in the background.
PALATE: Dense with ripe dark berry fruits, full and rich with a textured mid-palate leading to the beautifully dry but sumptuous tannins. Complex notes of tobacco spice, dried herbs and vanilla sweetness that supports the balance between fruit and tannin.
Technical Details
Blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 16% Petit Verdot and 11% Cabernet Franc.
