Fort Simon Shiraz 2005

SHIRAZ 2005
Background

The Uys family acquired the Estate, originally called
Houmoed, in 1962. Of the 110 hectares, 80 hectares
are planted under vines. The farm is situated against
the Bottelary Hills outside Stellenbosch and the
altitude of the vineyards varies between 170 and 370
meters above sea level. Winemaker Marinus Bredell
was appointed in 1997 and the first wines under the
Fort Simon label were released in 1998.

The grapes came from vineyards planted in 1974 at an
altitude of 185 to 195 meters above sea level. New
clones were selected and planted in 1999 for
enhancement of more typical fruit flavours. The
trellised vineyards face southeast to west.The winemaking
Grapes where recieved the first week of March 2005
from two selected blocks of vineyards, at an average
of 25.8° balling. After destemming, the mash was
inoculated with selected yeast cultures, and fermented
to total dryness on the skins. Malolactic bacteria was
added after pressing, and the young wine was
transferred to 300oe, oe American and oe French oak
barrels where it was matured for 18 months.

Winemaker’s comments
Deep garnet in colour, nutty, liquorice, sweet cherries
and a touch of peppery rose petals upfront. Complex
on the palate with pronounced characteristics; an
excellent example of this highly rated, well known,
red wine cultivar. Highly recommended with red meat
and venison.

Analysis
Alcohol 14.83 Vol %
R.S. 3.8 g/l
T.A. 6.0 g/l
V.A. 0.56 g/l
FSO2 42 mg/l
T.SO2 118 mg/l
PH 3.76