Red Blend - Morgenster

Only the 2nd vintage under the flagship label; the composition begins in the vineyard when the vines are pruned to determine the shoot positioning and number of bunches for the following year; in particular from lower lying Cabernet vineyards where the reflection of sunlight from the rocky surface plays an extremely important role in the concentration of the fruit. Vineyard selection is extended to a final selection of individual barrels before blending is done.

The Morgenster Estate blend reflects the individuality of our terroir, a specific style which is dictated by varietals, but more importantly by the concentration of flavours found in this particular vintage. In the true style of Morgenster this is a wine of supreme elegance; it’s not a showy wine. The further cellaring potential on our 2001 is expressed in the elegance and balance between the various compositions’ varietal and chemical substances.

COLOUR: Dense, rich, plum red

NOSE: On the intro, the presence of blackberries, pepper and spice show the slight dominance of the Cabernets.

PALATE: The dense, complex mouth feel identifies elegant balance between the classic oak tannins and equality between fresh ripe berry flavours and ripe integrated varietal tannins.

VINTAGE CONDITIONS: The 3rd consecutive hot vintage that emphasised the importance of being patient to gain optimum ripeness.

MATURATION: 100% of the individual cultivars were matured for 16 months in 300l barrels; racked twice, 32% new; 38% second fill and 30% third fill.

WINE ANALYSIS
Alc / Vol: 14.5%
Acidity: 5.6g/l
pH: 3.55
Residual sugar: 2.5g/l
Extract: 32.6 g/l

FOOD MATCHES: Bold flavour-filled pasta, slow over roast Duck, most red meat dishes and especially good with ripe Goat’s milk Brie.

Awards
John Platter: 4½
Wine Magazine: Michael Fridjhon Top 10
Calyon Trophy: top 5
Steve Tanzer Intl Wine Cellar: 91+
Robert Parker The Advocate: 88
Grape Magazine: 4½