Olifantsberg Soul of the Mountain The Bull 2019

Rhône blend van 38% Syrah, 14% Carignan, 24% Mourvèdre en 24% Grenache

Kleur: volrood
Geur: zwoel, rijp, donker fruit, zwarte kersen, Chateauneuf-achtig
Smaak: zwart fruit, stevig, drop, rozemarijn, flinke tannine zonder zwaar te zijn.
Houdbaar: op dronk, minimaal houdbaar tot eind 2029
Lekker bij: wildgerechten, gegrild vlees, stoofpotten, belegen en oude Hollandse kaas.

Vineyard
Our echalas vineyards are an important part of our story. These staked vines create a totally different micro-climate than our trellised vineyards. Lower temperatures within the micro-climate ensure better acidity and more aromatic grapes. Our vineyards grow within shale, schist and sandstone-based soils with an underlying clay layer. The fine balance and mineral-rich composition of our soils are reflected in the elegance and complexity of the fruit they deliver.

Winemaking
The complexity of this wine lies in the collection of 15 different vineyard sites used on the Olifantsberg Mountain. Long, gentle extractions are used with on average 30% whole bunch components in open top fermenters. Each parcel is kept separate during fermentation. Pump overs as well as punch downs are used depending on the extraction wanted. Seasoned 500 and 300L barrels are used for maturation. The blend is compiled after each component has matured separately for 7 months in oak and the blend is matured for a further 6 months before bottling. 8-10% new French oak used.

Beoordelingen

Platter’s ****(*) 94/100
Good to have these released with some development. 2019, 38% syrah plus grenache noir, mourvèdre & carignan, subtly fragrant, with complex aromas & flavours – mostly red fruit, but darker, savoury depths. Fresh & intense, with good tannic structure. From 15 mountain sites, blend compiled after separate year in 10% new oak. 14% alc. Ready, but a keeper.

Tim Atkin 95/100
Reborn under a new label – it used to be called Silhouette – this is the best red wine in Breedekloof, made from a stylishly judged cuvée of mostly Syrah with 62% Grenache, Mourvèdre and Carignan. Fermented with 30% whole clusters, it has aromas of lavender and wild thyme, complex red berry, meat and black olive flavours and layered, savoury, tobacco leaf tannins. 2023-30