ATLAS SWIFT Red Blend 2022

WINEMAKER: Martin Smith

COMPOSITION: 56% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 15%Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Malbec

ORIGIN: Paarl & Wellington

AGE OF VINES: 6 - 23 years

IRRIGATION: Supplemental / drip and dry-land

SOIL TYPE: Clay with some shale and quartz

PRODUCTION VOLUME: 1887 x 750ml

AGEING POTENTIAL: 6 to 8 years from vintage

 

Each component was hand-harvested at a fairly ripe 25 Brix and fermented on the skins in small open-top fermenters, with daily punch-downs of the cap. The wine was pressed at 5 Brix, and transferred to 225L French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and a maturation period of 22 months. After bottling, the wine was aged for a further 10 months prior to its release.

Aromatic scents of blueberries, red currants, cassis and balsamic vinegar, supported by undertones of purple basil, graphite and black pepper. The alcohol is in balance with a core of intense black fruits, while the tannins are grippy yet ripe and supple. Approachable in its youth due to the larger Merlot component. The acidity adds freshness to the fruit, and the black pepper adds depth to the long finish, akin to a classic Saint-Émilion red.

4,5 Sterne Platter´s Wine Guide