Old Bush Vine Cinsaut, Darling Cellars
Old Bush Vine Cinsaut, Darling Cellars
A well-balanced red wine, with a bright ruby red colour and sour cherries, strawberries and a hint of oak on the nose. Flavours of red pepper, spice, raspberries and a hint of sweet vanilla are followed by a nice fresh acidity on the palate and good length.
Vintage: 2016
Country: South Africe
Region: Darling
Grape Varieties: Cinsaut 100%
Alcohol by Volume: 14.5%
Bottle Size: 75cl
Darling Cellars' Old Bush Vine range comes from specific old bush vines which are selected for their typicity in reflecting their soils and location.
The winter and spring leading up to the 2016 vintage were among the driest in recent years. Normal rainfall in the area is about 450mm, but in 2016 this was only 176mm. Winter temperatures were not as cold as normal; unfortunately there was an unexpected heat wave at the end of October that rushed some of the earlier cultivars and meant that the veraison period was shorter than normal. After that temperatures stayed on the higher-than-normal side and the rain stayed away. The ripening period was subsequently shorter than normal due to the drier and warmer conditions.
With very little rain during the berry-setting and ripening period, the berries stayed very small, giving extra concentration, intense flavours and a very good colour.
Grapes were crushed and destalked into small open fermenters where they underwent a cold soak for two days before fermentation started. This was followed by 14 days’ fermentation at 20-24°C, with the free run and press wine kept separately. Barrel maturation took place in 100% French oak (1st, 2nd and 3rd fill) for 15 months. Only the best seven barrels were selected for the blend.