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Guardian Peak SMG
The three cultivars were vinified separately. Fermentation took place in open top fermentors and was followed by a maceration period of 14 days after primary fermentation. The Syrah and Mourvdre were matured separately in 100% new French and American oak for 18 months. The Grenache is unoaked to preserve its natural fruit character. Malolactic fermentation took place in the barrels.
Winemaker s tasting notes:
Appearance : Bright ruby red
Aroma : Floral aromas are dominant with jasmine being the most prevalent. An opulent richness with hints of spice and oak characteristics.
Palate : Aromas filter through onto the palate with red berry flavours being prominent. This wine shows great structure with a long lingering finish.
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Guardian peak Frontier
Vinification:
10 months of French and American oak maturation. The three cultivars were vinified separately for eight months, followed by two months of blending prior to bottling.
Winemaker s tasting notes:
Appearance : Bright Ruby Red
Bouquet : Offers aromas of strawberries, candy floss and dark ripe cherries. Shows sleek oak spice and a delicate smoked bacon essence infused with a leathery feel from the Shiraz.
Palate : Refined with good body and a richly structured mid palate. Shiraz seems to dominate the palate and gives a juicy feel to the wine.
Impression :
The three varietals each contribute unique flavours and character to the wine to make this a wonderful drinking experience. The wine will mature and soften beautifully over the next 5 years.
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Shiraz
This wine is blended with young wine to enhance the fresh fruit flavours very evident in this wine. Aged for 9 months in 225L American and French oak barrels.
Winemaker s tasting notes:
Appearance : Bright ruby red.
Bouquet: Juicy and plumy with a hint of smoky pepper.
Palate: A lively Shiraz, with lush and vibrant red berries. There is also broad mocha feel to the wine backed up by plums and blackberries with an elegant velvety finish.
Impression: A beautiful and well integrated Shiraz best enjoyed now and for the next three years.
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Merlot
Vinification:
The wine is fermented at 28°C in a combination of open (punch down) and closed fermentors (pump over) for 7 to 14 days.
Winemaker s tasting notes:
Appearance: Bright, ruby red
Bouquet: The nose of this youthful wine is dominated by an intense showing of ripe plum and cherry aromas. This is backed-up by toffee and mocha which is extracted from the oak.
Palate: This wine offers up-front fruit and a good length of cherry flavours. The ripe fruit is complimented by an elegant chocolate flavour. This juicy and chewy wine offers a medium to long finish which is provided by its intriguing balance of fruit-flavour and complexity.
Impression: This intense, fruit-driven example of a South African Merlot was made for early enjoyment and will improve over the next 2 to 3 years.
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Tannat malbec
Vinification:
The different clones of Tannat, Malbec and Merlot were vinified seperately in open stainless steel fermenters. The combination of punch down and pump overs ensure maximum extraction of grape flavour and tannins. The wine was matured for 18 months in 300 liter French oak barrels, 60% of the oak was new.
Winemaker s tasting notes:
Appearance: Opaque.
Bouquet: Uniquely different and austere. Focused and sleek with a lovely beam of blueberry and a hint of leather from the Malbec.
Palate: Offers a delicious mix of blackberries and oak. There s also great length and mouth feel with the earthy Malbec flavours dominating the finish.
Impression: This Cahors based blend now in its second vintage is a first for Guardian Peak and South Africa. Slightly more accessible than the 2006, the 2007 will soften and mature beautifully in the next 5 years.
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Cabernet Sauvignon
Vinification:
Fermentation took place in open top fermentors and was followed by a maceration period of 14 days after primary fermentation. The wine was matured in first fill French oak for 18 months.
Winemaker s tasting notes:
Appearance: Opaque
Aroma: The characteristic white oak spice, associated with new French oak, is infused with toasted pine nuts.
Palate: The Lapa Cabernet Sauvignon shows great integration between the oak and fruit, with great structure and length. The toasted aromas filter onto the palate with hints of lead pencil.
Impression: Jean Engelbrechts appreciation for Napa Styled Cabernet Sauvignons is the inspiration behind this wine. It will develop and mature beautifully over the next few years.
