HOLDEN MANZ

HOLDEN MANZ VISIONAIRE 2013

VARIETIES

25% Cabernet Sauvignon 35% Merlot 20% Shiraz 11% Cabernet Franc 5% Malbec 4% Petit Verdot

HARVEST

At first a late and slow start to the harvest due to a long cold, wet winter. Close to ideal conditions were recorded during flowering and berry set, making this one of the biggest vintages in recent South African history. A low disease index minimized spray intervention while maintaining a very healthy crop. The harvest season was late and much shorter than usual. Due to good winter rains and a cooler growing season with especially low night time temperatures, the small berries resulted in enhanced flavours. Our 2013 wines are concentrated with dense flavours and good structure.

COLOUR

Intense dark ruby colour with a bright edge.

NOSE

Wild strawberry with subtle notes of spicy white pepper and hints of violet.

PALATE

Good texture with silky tannins, well balanced with a slight mineral finish, Strawberry tones with lots of spice showing. Hints of ripe plum and fynbos.

TECHNICAL DATA

Analysis: Alc: 14.85% • TA: 5.4 g/l • RS: 2.86 g/l • pH: 3.59

WINEMAKER’S NOTES

20% New French Oak 225L barrels 80% 2nd and 3rd fill French Oak 225L barrels 22 months aging before blending and bottling These grapes were selected from distinct parcels with varying soil types.  This complexity in growing has resulted in a wonderful intricacy in the wine. The grapes were picked at optimal ripeness to enable the correct balance between sugar and phenolic components. Individual varieties were bunch and berry sorted, crushed and destalked to tank. Fermentation was initiated after 3 day cold soaking. Minimal additions were made to preserve the true cultivar characters of the grapes and to minimize the man-made impact on the wine. After careful blending trials and numerous test tastings the final blend combined a variety of batches each contributing to make this a balanced, expressive and fruit driven wine.

FOOD PAIRING

Springbok loin served with roasted lightly spiced vegetables