JOURNEY’S END GRIFFIN SYRAH 750ML

Description

The Griffin is a mythical creature symbolising divine power. This is a unique product in our range and one that is unlike many wines tasted before. Having undergone 30% Carbonic Maceration, this Syrah underwent the usual Journey’s End precision treatment. A delightfully fruity nose, follows through into a complex but soft pallet. The Griffin is the family crest of the Gabb family due to their Welsh routes. You can also find the Griffin on the Welsh flag.

Winemaking Notes

The grapes were handpicked from block 13, nestled 180m above sea level behind a row of pine trees which serve as a wind break. The block was picked very slowly and carefully from midday into the afternoon to ensure warmer grape temperatures upon intake. All leaves and excess stem are removed from the bunch before being processed.

The bunches are left in the sun until late afternoon before being sorted and added to a stainless-steel tank with the higher temperatures initiating the fermentation. The tank was gassed with Carbon Dioxide creating an anaerobic environment and was then closed and left for 10 days to undergo a carbonic fermentation. The fruit weight naturally presses the lower lying bunches releasing juice in a very gentle fashion, but intact berries are penetrated by high carbon dioxide concentrations stimulating an intracellular fermentation in each berry. After fermentation the wine was pressed off the skins and aged for 16 months in 20% new American oak and 20% new French oak. We fine the wine with bentonite which means our wine is vegan friendly.

Tasting Notes

A youthful yet complex wine displaying violets and cherry with white pepper on the nose. Available at haven wines. The use of American oak adds subtle caramel notes as well as pallet weight and mouthfeel. Although rich and succulent, silky polished tannins provide structure and an elegant lingering finish which will develop well in the bottle up until 2026.

Alcohol:	14.11%
Total Acidity:	5.69 g/L
pH:	3.52
Residual Sugar:	3.13 g/L

Viticulture

Climate	Stellenbosch
Aspect	South facing slopes
Soil type	Tukulu, decomposed granite
Clones	SH99, SH21A
Rootstock	101-14, Richter 99
Planting date	1999
HA planted	5.56 ha
Average tonnage	6 tons/ha
Irrigation	Drip irrigation
Trellis system	Extended Perold, 7 Strand
Harvest dates	13 March 2015
Total Production	7 barrels