Ridgeback His Master’s Choice Signature C 2016

Cabernet Franc 45%, Merlot 33%, Cabernet Sauvignon 11%, Petit Verdot 11%

AWARDS:

VITICULTURE:
The precision selected vineyards used for this ultra-premium wine face North-South
and are grown in deep Oakleaf soils. Irrigation is scheduled according to soil moisture
availability. The vine shoots are vertically positioned where leaf plucking in the bunch
zone and a narrow canopy enables sufficient sunlight penetration into the canopy
ensuring ripe tannins and optimal flavour at harvest.

HARVEST DETAILS:
The 4 cultivars used in our flagship blend were harvested at optimal ripeness at
various stages during the period of 29 January to 4 March 2016.
The generous attention given to all component vineyards which included leaf
plucking, narrow canopies and bunch trimming ensured optimally ripe fruit tannin
and full berry flavour.

WINEMAKING:

 The hand selected cultivars for this blend were destemmed without excessive

crushing and all unwanted stalks removed on the sorting table. The whole berry
component into the open stainless steel fermenters was at 30%.
After 12 hours of cold soaking each of the musts was inoculated with a commercial
yeast strain best suited to the specific variety. Pump overs were given three to four times daily to extract colour, tannin and
flavour. Each tank also received a single rack and return for further soft extraction.
 Fermentation for each of the cultivars ran at 24-28 degrees Celsius and lasted for 5-
7 days.
 Thereafter the wine was gently pressed and free run was consolidated with sufficient
press fraction to enhance structure.
 The wine was gravity fed to 66% new, 22% second fill and 12% third fill 225 litre
French oak barrels for secondary Malolactic fermentation.
After 12 months of maturation the component cultivars were blended together and
racked back to barrel for a further 6 months of integration.
 The specially selected barrels were lightly filtered prior to bottling.

TASTING NOTES:
 Classic upfront cassis, mulberry and dark plum with notes of cigar box and liquorice.
Firm, ripe tannin supports the rich midpalate and elegant pepper spice finish.

FOOD PAIRING:
This blend is immensely versatile and would complement dishes including roast lamb,
game or veal as well as dark chocolate.