Luddite Shiraz 2014

The 2014 South African vintage was cool. While most regions suffered from late rains, Bot River remained dry and cool, resulting in elegant, balanced, and perfumed wine with good natural acidity due to the longer ripening. Continuing experiments from 2013, Niels went up to 10% whole-bunch fermentation to enhance mid-palate freshness. The grapes underwent a 6-week skin contact including malolactic fermentation. The wine was then pressed and aged separately by block for two years in French (20% new, balance older) and Hungarian (5%) oak barrels. Finally, the two batches were blended and bottled.