This expressive Carignan hails from a 19-year-old, unirrigated bush vine vineyard in Wellington, the same distinguished site used for our Divergent blend. Grown on south-west facing slopes with Oakleaf/Tukulu soils, these vines thrive despite the region’s warm, demanding climate thanks to meticulous, sustainable practices. The vineyard is mulched to conserve precious moisture and suppress weeds naturally, with only manual weed removal – no herbicides are used. Cover crops enrich the soil, bolster biodiversity, and aid water retention, showcasing a deep commitment to vine health.
In the cellar, the handpicked grapes (harvested February 14th) were crushed, destemmed, and fermented in open-top fermenters with exceptionally gentle handling – just two punch-downs daily. After pressing, the wine matured for 9 months in seasoned 225L French oak barrels.
Christian Eedes describes it as offering “Red and black cherry, fynbos and spice on the nose. The palate is medium bodied with snappy acidity and a dry finish. Vital and appealing.”