A Dry, Cool Season
The 2001 growing season was again
very dry although luckily very cool. The vineyards
maintained a healthy growth during the season,
producing more flavour and fruit than the 2000
vintage. The grapes attained full-ripeness earlier
than expected, and summer pruning again resulted
in high sugar levels.
Due to consistently low yields,
our vineyards now appear to be accustomed to producing
the desired quantities, ensuring optimal quality,
under the different climatic conditions. During this
abnormally dry season, we kept reserves to secure a
consistent crop of high quality grapes. The growth
of some the vineyards we supported by single irrigation,
ensuring excellent results.
The majority of the Saxenburg
vineyards were consistent in terms of quantity except
for the Pinotage and Chardonnay both of which were
very low in yields. Chardonnay was merely one ton
per hectare - the result of very warm climatic conditions
last winter which caused pre budding With this very
low production we secured the normal development
of next year's crop.
This past year required more intensive
wine farming and in this respect, our new vineyard
manager Len Coetzee, proved himself well, supporting
our aim of producing premium quality for the future.
During
January this year, we upgraded the pressing cellar
with the installation of 19 new red wine fermentation
tanks; the fermentation capacity of which, was increased
from 60 tons to 160 tons.
The installation of
the fermentation tanks was only finished by the first
week in February. Luckily, the vintage started two
weeks later than normal - all went well with no problems
occurring.
When the heat wave began, we harvested
every day until all was finished 16 days later. The
extra fermentation tanks helped us to improve our
selection but also enabled us to harvest all grapes
in time. The vinification was easier and more up to
standard largely because of more effective plunging
and pumping over. Skin contact after fermentation,
was also much enhanced.
Temperature control was ideal
due to the double cooling facilities on the tanks
making the selection of different qualities much easier.
The impressive quality of this new vintage together
with the new installation resulted in more Private
Collection wines being produced. To ensure grapes were
harvested in time, the machine harvest was supported
with hand picking.
White Wines
In total the white wines
reflect greater finesse and elegance than the 2000
vintage. The Sauvignon Blanc has a range of complex
flavours ranging from tropical notes to green fig flavours.
The Chardonnay is more tropical in flavour than last
year, with soft acids while the Chenin Blanc is lovely
and complete with fine balance.
We also produced a
small quantity of sweet natural wine for the Le Reve
de Saxenbourg.
Red Wines
This year we came closer
to our vision of growing more Private Collection wines,
increasing the production of red wines under this label
by 13%. All grapes were of a high quality and ripened
early. The colour of these wines are intense and the
balance of these wines very fine.
At this stage, it
is not easy to point out which are the best cultivars.
The next few months will determine how these wines
perform in the barrels. To compliment the 2001 vintage
we have also invested in increased quantities of new
wood the results of which should be very exciting.
My
personal favourite however, is still the Shiraz although
the Merlot promises to be very exciting. The Cabernet
Sauvignon is again outstanding confirming the impression
that it is fool proof. All in all the vintage was
small but elegant and is in all respects a worthy follower
to the very bold 2000 vintage.
Our new plantings continue
and together, Saxenburg will add another 8 hectares
of vines comprising Pinotage, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc
and Cabernet Sauvignon. |
