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7 November 2019 In

Ataraxia Chardonnay

Vintage review

Fortnightly batonnage was employed throughout the 10-month maturation period. The result is a Chardonnay that is New World in provenance but Old World in stylistic leaning. A chiselled, focussed wine that effortlessly manages to be both subtle and intense. The palate is penetrating and profound yet graceful and poised. A forceful mineral acidity is beautifully balanced by a subtle yet compelling intensity of fruit. Classic length, creaminess and intriguing complexity define this stylish, world-class Chardonnay.

Winemaker’s Notes

This hand-crafted wine is the product of our truly unique, extreme and radical vineyard sites situated exclusively in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge wine ward, close to the coastal village of Hermanus. Soils from these sites are derived from the Bokkeveld shale group, which are characteristically low-vigour, clay-rich and stony. Because of the cool maritime climate that exists here, the grapes have a long hang time which affords them the opportunity to fully complete their ripening journey. Picked early in the mornings during the last week of February and the first week of March 2017, the grapes were transported to the cellar where uncomplicated yet sensitive winemaking ensured
that the wine reflects this exciting terroir in an accurate, authentic and effortless way.

“Chardonnay is a grape variety that I have been romanced by for more than 14 years,” says winemaker Kevin Grant. “…And the love affair deepens with each passing vintage! To my mind Chardonnay is the complete white grape variety. Although it demands respect, attention to detail, a comprehensive understanding of the terroir where the grapes grow and an intuitive flair, the wine gives of itself so completely when you get everything right that it’s hard not to become totally awed by it. It makes the consummate white wine. Life without Chardonnay is like not being able to breathe! The style Ataraxia pursues has as its foundation the expression of place in a wine of profound balance, elegance, finesse and texture – all of which are hallmarks of the great and classic wines of the World.”

Food Pairing

Pair Chardonnays in the leaner Burgundian style with roasted chicken or seafood; the more voluptuous New World Chardonnays pair well with pasta dishes made with cream or cheese, with crayfish or other rich seafood and with Asian dishes that include coconut milk.

Chardonnay also works well with spicy foods like curries. The wood can carry the spice.

7 November 2019 In

Ataraxia Pinot Noir

Winemaker’s Notes

“Pinot noir remains one of those elusive grape varieties that, once it has cast its spell on you, becomes and remains a life-long obsession and passion. It is a grape that I have developed a real feeling for and within the context of the challenges it poses to a winemaker I think I understand what is required to make great Pinot noir. In South Africa, experience and research has shown the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley to be unequivocally the most exciting and promising area for quality Pinot noir production, easily on a par with and often exceeding the quality attained in other New World Pinot noir producing regions. I believe I can take Pinot noir to heights not yet seen in this country.”

Vintage Review

Grapes were hand-picked into small crates and then sorted, destemmed and gently crushed at the cellar. A 10 day pre-fermentation cold soak period in open fermenters was followed by a temperature-controlled ferment, peaking at 28°C for a total cuvaison of 22 days. The cap was gently punched down twice a day during alcoholic fermentation. The wine was then pressed and racked to carefully-selected French oak barrels, 22% of which were new and where 100% malolactic fermentation occurred. Then aged in barrels for 11 months before
being bottled.

Food Pairing

THE ULTIMATE FOOD WINE

Duck: Duck Breast with Pomegranate-Citrus Glaze
Pork: Garlic and Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin
Salmon: Oven-Baked Salmon Fillets
Mushrooms: Roasted Mushrooms with Herbs

Pinot Noir pairs very well with Wild Mushrooms which you can either make with pasta or risotto.
Pinot Noir also pairs beautifully with Salmon especially Norwegian Salmon. It also works with Duck and Coq au Vin (French for chicken cooked in wine, preferably Pinot Noir) and Pork.

More good pairings: Roast chicken or guineafowl (even with lots of garlic). Pigeon. Rack of lamb, served pink. Rare fillet steak and carpaccio. Beef Wellington. Roast pork with herbs and fennel. Chicken or turkey sausages. Calves liver, sweetbreads. Dishes with morels and other wild mushrooms. Roast or grilled crayfish.

7 November 2019 In

Ataraxia Sauvignon Blanc

Winemaker’s Notes

“Sauvignon blanc has shown itself to be an enduringly popular and interesting variety in South Africa and has the ability, when planted in judiciously selected sites, to produce wines of class and finesse. What is so intriguing about this variety is that it is also very much a viticulturist’s grape, where attention to detail in the vineyard is an absolute prerequisite and cornerstone to the production of quality wines. I believe cool climate, alchemy-free Sauvignon blanc has an exciting future on the South African wine scene and I very much want to be part of that.”

Vintage Review

Each vintage we are dealt a different climatic hand, one of the reasons why every new season is so eagerly anticipated on Ataraxia. The Sauvignon Blanc grapes for Harvest 2018 were picked on the 26th and 27th February, almost two weeks later than the previous vintage.
Despite the extraordinarily dry conditions that prevailed for most of the growing season, temperatures remained temperate during the final months leading up to harvest. The smaller berries that resulted from these dry conditions have produced a wine with substantially
concentrated and satisfying fruit flavours.

Hand-picked and then triaged over a sorting table, all our fruit was safely in the cellar by mid-morning on each picking day, guaranteeing that the exciting fruit flavours of the grape were preserved and are reflected in this wine.

Food Pairing

Minerally Sauvignon Blancs such as Sancerre, Pouilly Fumé and other cool climate Sauvignon Blancs from e.g. Tasmania
This is the style I’d choose with simple, barely seasoned ingredients such as raw and lightly cooked shellfish like oysters and shell-on prawns, fresh crab and simply grilled fish such as sea bass, especially with olive oil. They also work well with dishes that contain raw or barely cooked tomato such as gazpacho, tomato consommé or tomato vinaigrettes and young goats’ cheeses – or salads that contain goats cheese. Also good with Japanese dishes such as sushi and sashimi, seafood-based steamed and fried dim sum and smoked salmon, particularly if the smoke is delicate. And air-dried ham, oddly.

7 November 2019 In

Ataraxia Serenity

Winemakers Notes

Ataraxia’s red blend has as its primary goal the ultimate expression of a red blend from South Africa. At present Kevin does not concentrate on the cultivars that make up this blend, or indeed what, if any, cultivar forms the backbone of the blend. The quest is to show that “where from” is far more decisive than “what from” and is the truest expression of a wine’s personality. Kevin has, however, always been excited at the notion of a seven, twelve, even fifteen variety blend, where the true art of blending is taken to its logical and comprehensive conclusion.

Vintage Review

The fruit used to make this wine was sourced from radical and individual vineyards sites with one goal in mind – to have the confidence to “whisper” style through the true expression of these sites rather than “shout” brashness through winemaking excesses. This wine is a seamless blend of three varietals, Pinot noir, Cinsault and cool-climate Pinotage. However, the emphasis of this blend remains entirely on style rather than cultivar make-up. Cultivars are after all merely vehicles to express terroir and not the expression of a wine itself.
The different cultivars were handpicked, sorted and crushed into open fermenters. Here they each underwent cold maceration on their skins for seven to ten days before fermentation commenced. At completion of their ferment, each batch was pressed off separately to barrel where malolactic fermentation took place. Careful maturation in tight-grain French oak barriques, 21% of which were new, for a period of 11 months followed before the wine was blended and bottled in January 2018.

Food pairing ideas

As Kevin calls this his “Pinot Noir on steroids” this blend will go with any of the Ataraxia Pinot Noir food pairings.

It will also pair well with venison.

2 October 2019 In

Bonfire Hill Red

Total SO2: 135
Free SO2: 42
v/a: 0.52

Wine of Origin

Breedekloof
Goudini
Overberg Highlands

2 October 2019 In

Bonfire Hill White

Total SO2: 125
Free SO2: 47
v/a: 0.39

Wine of Origin

Swartland / Voor Paardeberg

2 October 2019 In

Bruce Jack Chenin Blanc

WINEMAKING

Healthy grapes received early in the day. Grapes were crushed, juice drained and skins pressed. After juice settled, clear juice is used to ferment. From there the wine is stabilized and filtered.

CELLAR

Can be enjoyed now or over the next few years, or cellar at a cool temperature for 3 years.

FOOD PAIRING

This wine loves spicy food, particularly Indian spices. Also try with fresh dover sole, lemon butter, classic Caesar salad or Veal saltimbocca.

2 October 2019 In

Bruce Jack Pinotage Malbec

WINEMAKING

Grapes are harvested early in the day. They are then crushed, destemmed, and fermented on the skin. Open and closed pump overs are given for colour extract. From there the juice is fermented, blended, stabilized and filtered.

CELLAR

Can be enjoyed now or cellar at cool temperature for 5 years.

FOOD PAIRING

Pinotage goes surprisingly well with sushi, try it. Thai food is a natural partner as is barbequed meats, particularly game.

2 October 2019 In

Bruce Jack Sauvignon Blanc

WINEMAKING

A special selection of grapes are destined for Bruce Jack whites from selected vineyards. More importantly, we receive them very early in the morning, while still cool. Grapes are crushed, juice drained and skins pressed. After the juice is settled, clear juice is used to ferment in an attempt to highlight the vineyard specific aromatics. Special tanks are given extended lees contact.

CELLAR

Can be enjoyed now or over the next few years. Or cellar at a cool temperature for 2 years.

FOOD PAIRING

Burrata, walnut and endive salad with a citrus vinaigrette or fresh blue crab dress with olive oil rich mayonnaise or sweet chilly barbeque chicken wings.

2 October 2019 In

Bruce Jack Shiraz

WINEMAKING

Selected vineyards are harvested early in the morning when still cool. Grapes are destemmed and fermented on the skins in a combination of open and closed tanks. Selected vineyards are punched down by hand and wild fermentation is encouraged. Open and closed pump overs are given to carefully extract colour and build a soft, juicy mouthfeel. The fermented wine is aged in a combination of stainless steel tanks and barrels. When ready the wine is painstakingly blended to create both complexity and yumminess.

CELLAR

Can be enjoyed now or cellar at a cool temperature for 5 years.

FOOD PAIRING

Nothing shouts ‘Bring me shiraz’ like a 28 day dry-aged rump steak, cooked to perfection on the barbeque and served with a green pepper sauce or try pulled pork Mexican tortillas. A surprisingly good match is also Peking duck.

2 October 2019 In

Cape Atlantic Merlot

Vineyards and Vinification

Facing: West

Soil types: Red Slate and Sandstone

Age of vines: 14 – 15 years, Western Cape

Vineyard area: 3.5 ha

Yield per Ha: 7 t/ha

Trellised: Extended Perold

Irrigated: Supplementary

Clone: MO12 on Richter 99

Degree balling at harvest: 25.5oB

Fermentation: Pump over every 6 hours, fermented for 5 days.

Barrel aging: 100% French 225l oak, 4th fill

Period in wood: 12 months

Wood: Medium toast – Nevers and Allier

Maturation potential: Drink now or up to 2019

2 October 2019 In

Cape Atlantic Sauvignon Blanc

Vineyards and Vinification

Facing: South

Soil types: Glenrosa and Slate

Age and origin of vines: 12 – 15 years, Western Cape

Vineyard area: 8 ha

Yield per hectare: 10 t/ha

Trellised: Extended 6 wire Perold

Irrigation: Supplementary

Clone: SB10/316 on Richter 99

Degree balling at harvest: Early morning hand harvesting

20 – 22.5oB

Vinification: Fermented 25 days at 12oC with selected yeast strains, 3 months lees contact, tank bâttonage, every 2 weeks.

Optimum drinking time: 1 – 2 years after release

Food Pairing

This wine would be welcome at any occasion and will be a great companion to seafood dishes, poultry or any lunchtime get-togethers.

2 October 2019 In

Indaba Chenin Blanc

VINEYARDS

Grapes were sourced from select vineyard sites in Swartland, Paarl, Stellenbosch, Durbanville, Robertson and McGregor, characterized by soils of Table Mountain sandstone, decomposed Dolomite granite, shale and red Karoo clay. The vines range in age from 5 to 35+ years old, and more than half are low-yielding dry farmed bush vines.

VINTAGE

2017 was an exceptional vintage. The growing season was characterized by extremely dry conditions, with ideal warm days and cool nights and none of the typical summer heatwaves. The drought conditions meant that there was no rot or disease pressure, resulting in small berries and reduced yields. Grapes retained excellent natural acidity and the vintage produced wines of great freshness, concentration and avor intensity.

VINIFICATION

The grapes were picked in the cool early morning hours, de-stemmed, crushed and gently pressed. The juice was settled overnight and was then cold fermented in stainless steel tanks over a period of approximately three weeks. The wine was aged on its lees in tank for ve months, with occasional lees stirring. A small portion (1%) was whole bunch pressed straight to 300 liter French oak barrels, where it fermented naturally. It was aged on the lees for ve months for enhanced richness and texture on the palate.

2 October 2019 In

Indaba Merlot

VINEYARDS

Grapes were sourced from select vineyard sites in Stellenbosch, Paarl-Paardeberg and Durbanville, planted in soils of decomposed granite, weathered shale, clay and sandy loam, with good moisture retention capacity. Most of the vineyards are located on southwest facing slopes, where they benefit from cool afternoon breezes off the Atlantic. The vines range in age from 12-20 years, with an average age of 15 years.

VINTAGE

2017 was an exceptional vintage. The growing season was characterized by extremely dry conditions, with ideal warm days, cool nights and none of the typical summer heatwaves. The drought conditions meant that there was no rot or disease pressure, resulting in small berries and reduced yields. Grapes retained excellent natural acidity and the vintage produced wines of great freshness, concentration and flavor intensity.

VINIFICATION

The grapes were harvested in the early morning hours, de-stemmed and gently crushed. The wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks, with frequent gentle pumpovers to extract color and tannin from the skins. Approximately 40% of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation and aging on new French oak staves. A small portion (2%) of the blend was from the 2016 vintage, and was aged in 225 liter French oak barrels for 16 months.

2 October 2019 In

Indaba Mosaic

VINEYARDS

Grapes were sourced from select vineyard sites in Robertson, McGregor, Stellenbosch, Paardeberg and Durbanville. The Cabernet Sauvignon comes from 15-20 year old vines planted in soils with excellent moisture retention properties – mostly from red Karoo clay soils in the McGregor region and limestone-rich soils in Robertson, with a small portion coming from oakleaf soils in Durbanville, where the vines benefit from cooling Atlantic breezes. The Merlot is planted in Stellenbosch in soils of Tukulu, a form of decomposed granite with a high clay content. The vines are 17 years old. The Cabernet Franc hails from 20-year-old vines planted in decomposed granite soils on cooler south-facing slopes in Stellenbosch. The Petit Verdot grapes come from 17-year-old vines in the Paardeberg area, planted in clay-rich shale soils.

VINTAGE

2017 was an exceptional vintage. The growing season was characterised by extremely dry conditions, with ideal warm days and cool nights and none of the typical summer heatwaves. The drought conditions meant that there was no rot or disease pressure and resulted in small berries and reduced yields. Grapes retained excellent natural acidity and the vintage produced wines of great freshness, concentration and flavor intensity.

VINIFICATION

The grapes were harvested in the cool early morning hours. They were then de-stemmed and crushed. The Cabernet Sauvignon was fermented for six days, with regular pumpovers. It was then pressed and racked to concrete tanks to complete alcoholic fermentation and undergo malolactic fermentation. The remainder of the components were fermented in stainless steel tanks until dry, with gentle pumpovers performed regularly. The wine was then pressed and returned to tank for malolactic fermentation and aging. Approximately one third of the blend was aged on French oak staves. The Cabernet Franc (2016 vintage) was aged in second and third-fill 225 and 300-litre French oak barrels for 16 months. The Petit Verdot (2014 vintage) was aged in second and third-fill French oak barrels for 36 months.

2 October 2019 In

Indaba Sauvignon blanc

VINEYARDS

Grapes were sourced from select vineyard sites in Paarl, Paarl-Perdeberg and Stellenbosch, characterised mainly by decomposed granite soils, with some components sourced from calcareous clay and shale soils. Vines range in age from 5-30 years.

VINTAGE

2017 was an exceptional vintage. The growing season was characterized by extremely dry conditions, with ideal warm days and cool nights and none of the typical summer heatwaves. The drought conditions meant that there was no rot or disease pressure and resulted in small berries and reduced yields. Grapes retained excellent natural acidity and the vintage produced wines of great freshness, concentration and flavor intensity.

VINIFICATION

The grapes were harvested in the cool early morning hours, then crushed and gently pressed. A portion of the juice was left in contact with the skins for 12 hours. After the juice was chilled and settled, it was cold fermented in stainless steel tanks over a period of two to three weeks. The wine was aged on its lees for three months before blending, filtration and bottling.

2 October 2019 In

Kevin Arnold Shiraz

VINEYARD

Planted on the rockiest sandstone slopes of Waterford Estate in 2005.

VINTAGE

Winter was cut a little short with an early rise in temperatures, the growing season remained warm and dry bringing the harvest dates slightly forward. Moderate to cool conditions during ripening resulted in wines with expressive aromatics and flavours. Exceptional white and red wines from this vintage, very classic in style with tight dry tannin structures which make for excellent aging potential.

WINE FACTS

No new wood is used in the making of this wine. Whole berry ferments and soft extraction methods by means of only pump overs which brings out the purity in this wine.

FOOD PAIRING

Pairs well with lean red meats such as venision as well as a variety of earthy components.

6 December 2019 In

Lyngrove Collection Chenin Blanc

VINEYARD

Drip-irrigation ensures optimal ripening. The vines are planted on south facing slopes in soils consisting of
weathered granite on clay and benefit from the cooling effect of the nearby Atlantic Ocean (False Bay) during the ripening season.

VINIFICATION

These perfectly ripe grapes were gently pressed to avoid any harsh phenols. After cold settling, the juice was then racked, fermented at cool temperatures and left on the lees for a couple of months to enhance depth of flavour.

FOOD PAIRING

Perfect aperitif and also pairs well with a variety of foods, including seafood dishes like chilli, lime and coriander prawns, or smoked salmon & dill crème fraiche.

6 December 2019 In

Lyngrove Collection Merlot

VINEYARD

The 5ha vines were planted in the year 2000 with 2.5m row spacing. Soils consist of weathered granite on a clay base. The vines are drip-irrigated to ensure optimal ripening and trained on a 5-wire Perold trellis system. Vines benefit by having the cool breezes from the nearby Atlantic Ocean (False Bay) during the ripening season.

VINIFICATION

The grapes were picked at 25° balling early February when the pips were brown and the skins had no more unripe
tannins. The berries were crushed and cold-soaked for about 48hrs at 15°C, and then inoculated with suitable yeast that would bring out the best of the varietal. The must was fermented in stainless steel tanks with aeration every 4 hrs- this was done to extract all the colour and flavours from the must. Fermentation takes about 5 days at
temperatures between 24-29°C. Before bottling a small portion of oak matured Pinotage was blended in to add extra complexity.

FOOD PAIRING

Very enjoyable with wood fired pizza smothered in tomato, basil and goats cheese.

6 December 2019 In

Lyngrove Collection Pinotage

VINEYARD

The 6ha vines were planted in 2000 on (101-14) rootstock with 2.5m spacing. The vines are drip-irrigated to ensure optimal ripening and trained on the 5-wire Perold trellis system. Planted on soils consisting of weathered granite on clay, the vines are situated on northwest facing slopes. The nearby Atlantic Ocean (False Bay) has a cooling effect on the vineyards during the ripening season.

GROWING SEASON

In retrospect the season was very similar to 2015 with even less rain and drier conditions. Hot weather from mid-October through to end January restricted growth which in turn resulted in lighter bunches and concentrated berries with an average 15% decrease in yield. These conditions also led to healthier vineyards and disease free grapes with promising wines.

VINIFICATION

The grapes were picked at 25° balling early February when the pips were brown and the skins had no more unripe tannins. The berries were crushed and cold-soaked for about 48hrs at 15°C, and then inoculated with suitable yeast that would bring out the best of the varietal. The must was fermented in stainless steel tanks with aeration every 4 hrs- this was done to extract all the colour and flavours from the must. Fermentation takes about 5 days

FOOD PAIRING

Pair with spicy Lamb masala curry, served with chutney, assorted sambals and freshly baked naan bread.

6 December 2019 In

Lyngrove Collection Shiraz

VINEYARD

These 10ha of vines were planted in 2000 on (101-14) rootstock with 2.5m x 1.2m spacing. The vines are drip-irrigated to ensure optimal ripening and trained on the 5-wire Perold trellis system. Planted on soils consisting of weathered granite on clay, the vines are situated on northwest facing slopes. The nearby Atlantic Ocean (False
Bay) also has a cooling effect on the vineyards during the ripening season.

VINIFICATION

The grapes were picked at 25 balling early March when the pips was brown and the skins had no more bitter green tannins. Berries were crushed and cold-soaked for about 48 hours at 15°C, then inoculated with suitable yeast to bring out the best of the varietal. The must was fermented in stainless steel tanks with aeration
every 4 hours to extract all the intense colour and flavours from the skins. Fermentation took about 5 days at temperatures between 24-28°C.

FOOD PAIRING

Delectable served with wood fired pizza loaded with wild mushroom, drizzled with truffle oil and peppery
rocket.

6 December 2019 In

Lyngrove Reserve Chardonnay

VINEYARD

Vines are drip-irrigated to ensure optimal ripening and trained on the 5-wire Perold trellis system. Planted in soils consisting of weathered granite on clay, the vines are situated on south facing slopes. The nearby Atlantic Ocean (False Bay) has an additional cooling effect on the vineyards during the ripening season.

VINIFICATION

These perfectly ripe grapes were gently pressed to avoid any harsh phenols. After settling for 2 days, the juice was then racked and fermented at cool temperatures and left on the lees to enhance depth of flavour and texture. 70% of the blend was fermented in stainless steel tanks and the other 30% was fermented in French oak barrels.

FOOD PAIRING

Enjoy at 10-12°C with Seared Scallops, crispy bacon, salsa, gremolata & rocket.

6 December 2019 In

Lyngrove Reserve Shiraz Pinotage

VINEYARD

VINIFICATION

Berries were crushed and cold-soaked for about 48hrs, and then inoculated with selected yeast to bring out the best of the varietal. The Pinotage harvest started late Feb and the Shiraz mid-March. Fermented in stainless steel tanks with pump-overs (aeration) every 4 hours to extract flavour and colour from must. Fermentation
takes about 5 days at temperatures between 24-28°C. The wine was matured in older barrels for 18 months in a combination of 300liter French and American Oak.

FOOD PAIRING

Serve this wine at 15-18°. Delicious with marinated beef fillet skewers with onion, bell pepper, tomato and mushroom served on saffron rice.

6 December 2019 In

Lyngrove Sparkling BRUT

VINEYARD

The vines are drip-irrigated to ensure optimal ripening. It’s planted on soils consisting of weathered granite
on clay. Vines planted on south facing slopes for cooler temperatures and the nearby Atlantic Ocean (False Bay) also has a cooling effect on the vineyards during the ripening season.

VINIFICATION

These perfectly ripe grapes were picked first thing in the morning, early in the season to ensure the right style and then gently pressed to avoid any harsh phenols.

FOOD PAIRING

Enjoy this wine chilled as an aperitif or pair with fragrant salads or seafood.