Ridgeback Lion Hound Red

VITICULTURE:
The North-South facing vineyards used for this wine are grown in a
combination of Glenrosa and Oakleaf soils. The vines are vertically
trellised for optimal bunch and berry ripening and irrigation is scheduled
according to soil moisture monitoring.
WINEMAKING:
 The 5 varieties were destemmed and only lightly crushed to prevent
any damage to the pips. They were fermented separately in open
top stainless-steel fermenters.
 The fermentation ran at 24-28 degrees Celsius with commercial
yeast strains suited to the varieties. A 30% whole berry component
ensured gentle extraction during pumpovers which were done 3-4
times daily.
 The wines were removed from the skins before complete dryness in
order to retain softness.
 All red wines underwent MLF and a portion of the wine was matured
on oak staves while the remainder underwent 12 months of ageing
in third and fourth fill barrels ensuring good wood/fruit integration.
 The wine was then blended and lightly filtered shortly before
bottling.
TASTING NOTES:
An intense, juicy red blend of dark cherries, plum and liquorice with a hint
of cigar box and wood spice. The creamy midpalate evolves to a long,
savoury finish.