What can we expect from this harvest?
Really great red wines. I was far more concerned in 2019 about our red wines, however, the 2020 harvest has proved to be a fine one for red varietals. The grapes came in with brilliant colour and we had good extraction of juice. The volumes are higher on the red and, in general, we have enjoyed a bigger harvest than the previous year.
What is your favourite memory from the 2020 harvest?
There was one day this year that we had to do something we have never done before as a result of the influx of grapes – run two sorting lines together. One with white grapes, and another with red grapes. It was all hands on deck and the day had to be carefully planned to ensure maximum productivity and efficiency to ensure all the grapes were in the cellar as soon as possible. I enjoyed this because the team and I were pushed to our limits and we pulled it off, together.
We have a few releases happening this year. Which wine are you most excited about?
Our 2018 Merlot proves that it is possible for Stellenbosch to make a good Merlot. Coming from the oldest vineyard on the Estate, the soil and aspect played a vital role in the quality of the Merlot. Good concentration and flavour in the berries.
