LOURENS RIVER VALLEY 2002
(limited release)
At Morgenster we employ a rigorous three tier selection process;
handpicked in the vineyards, pre-crush sorting table selection of bunches
as they enter the winery and again after barrel maturation which dictates
a single minded quality focus. The difficulties of the 2002 vintage
combined with these exacting standards led to the declassification of the
majority of the wine made from this vintage. No Morgenster flagship blend
was produced and only very limited quantities of the Lourens River Valley.
Small pockets of exceptional quality, interspersed throughout the
vineyards attracted special canopy management and were isolated throughout
the production process. During the barrel selection process, these wines
bucked the trend of the 2002 harvest and proved to be of sufficiently high
standard to be bottled in a limited run of the Lourens River Valley label
- it's 5th appearance.
VINEYARD
REGION |
Stellenbosch
Helderberg ward |
VINTAGE
CONDITIONS |
Challenging and patchy, marred by disease and
high temperatures. |
GRAPE
VARIETIES |
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet franc |
| MATURATION |
16 months as individual components in 300l
French Oak. |
WINE
ANALYSIS |
| Alc / Vol: |
14% |
| Acidity: |
5.4g/l |
| pH: |
3.7 |
| Residual sugar: |
<2.5g/l |
| Extract: |
32g/l |
|
FOOD
MATCHES |
Rich, but simple uncomplicated Italian
traditions; think Wild mushrooms and truffle oil, basil and rocket
salad with gorgonzola, roast lamb with olives, rosemary and garlic,
ostrich, duck and game bird… |
Winemaker comments by
Marius Lategan |
| COLOUR |
A true reflection of the vintage, wines of
distinction were produced; one of very few that reflects vibrant
colour; a deep centre with an attractive stable Burgundian red tint. |
| NOSE |
Earthy, spicy aromas support and amplify nuances of
liquorice, cinnamon, chocolate, mocha and vanilla. The bouquet
reminds one of the scent of our indigenous plant "fynbos";
its herbaceous character. Aeration will release flavourful esters of
dark mulberry, plum and strong red grape aromas. |
| PALATE |
The stimulation on the palate is mild and expressive to
show great personality. Finely knitted tannins interlacing the spice
and fruit flavour to offer a fresh entry with good structure and
length to a pleasant finish. The character lingers and leaves a
pleasant dryness. |
Awards
|
| Platter Guide: |
4½ stars |
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