Goat-Roti Syrah Viognier 2007

posted in Previous vintages

The council of Billy goats convened – bearded and wise elders grumbled. Their position has been challenged by the popularity of Goats do Roam, the exuberant wines created by the frisky and youthful members of the flock. And so an edict was issued – go out into the vineyards; sniff out the finest fruit. Create a wine befitting our status – or risk a roasting. The elders rose to the occasion. Goat-Roti – a wine abundant with rich fruit and warm spices. The elders are well pleased.

IN THE VINEYARD

The 2007 Goat-Roti is a blend of Shiraz and Viognier sourced from sites in the Paarl, Agter-Paarl and Stellenbosch regions. The Paarl fruit, comprising 42% of the blend, is from trellised vineyards on the lower slopes of Paarl mountain, with supplementary drip irrigation. The Agter-Paarl fruit makes up 35% of the blend, and is a dryland trellised vineyard grown on shale soils. The Stellenbosch fruit is from a trellised vineyard, with drip irrigation, on koffieklip soils.

HARVEST DATE

February 2007

WINEMAKING

The Paarl Shiraz was co-fermented with Viognier, as both varietals were ripe at the same time. The Stellenbosch portion could not be co-fermented, as the grapes ripened two weeks later. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks, and Rhône yeasts were used. Pumpovers were done three times a day ensuring good colour and flavour extraction. Once pressed, the wine was transferred to 225l French and American oak barrels and matured for 12 months, with 10% new wood being used.

WINEMAKER’S COMMENTS

When blending Shiraz and Viognier it is beneficial to co-ferment the grapes, as opposed to blending the finished wine which generally tends to have a flavour diluting effect. Co-fermented grapes have a positive impact, as the use of Viognier improves colour, softens and elaborates the tannin and gives a slight fragrant lift to the wine. Anthony de Jager

TASTING NOTE

Pepper and clove aromas with subtle fragrance. Dark bramble fruit flavours balance well with gentle oak and firm tannins. Bold structure with rich, fruit forward flavours.

VARIETALS

Shiraz 96%, Viognier 4%

RECOGNITION – PREVIOUS VINTAGES

2006: Silver – International Wine Challenge 2008
2005: 90 points – Wine Spectator
2004: Gold – Decanter World Wine Awards 2006
2004: Gold – Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2006

WINE ANALYSIS

Wine of Origin: Coastal

Alcohol: 14.5%
Residual Sugar: 3.8g/l
Total Acid: 5.8g/l
pH: 3.54

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