TASTING NOTES

The Octopus is a Bordeaux blend with elegance and balance that can matured for 10 - 20 years. The objective is to create a wine with elegance and balance that can stand the test of time. In 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet franc were equal partners at 44% each, Merlot 9% and Petit Verdot making up the remaining 3%. The wine has an intense dark colour, the palate shows a good tight grip of oak tannins, balanced with excellent fruit and good length. The Cabernet Franc and Merlot lend wonderful elegance to the blend. It should evolve well over time, and has the structure and concentration to age for 10 to 20 years.

BLEND INFORMATION

44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Cabernet Franc, 9% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot

IN THE VINEYARD

Training method: 5-wire vertical trellis

Yield: Average of 36.7 hl/ha and 5.65 tons/ha

IN THE CELLAR

Only the top 10 barrels in the cellar were selected for this wine and bottled one month after blending, with only minimal pre-bottling filtration. Wine was matured for ± 24 months in small barrels.

Barrel profile: 56% 1st fill, 38% 2nd fill and 6% 3rd fill. 100% French oak.

Bottling: 11 December 2012 at Mooiplaas