MORGENSTER 2004
Mother nature's authority in this vintage was clearly stamped, we
showed our respect by reflecting the dominance of the earlier ripening
Merlot - the first time ever in this our Flagship blend.
The composition of this wine begins in the vineyard where careful
pruning and canopy management ensure that the individual vines are in
perfect balance. Consistent viticultural practices combined with
experimental winemaking become the precursors for specific site selection.
Ten year's experience has made the selection process a whole lot clearer
as the vines mature and reveal to us their true potential. The selection
process continues through harvest, hand-sorting of bunches as they enter
the cellar and again after barrel maturation. The rigorous attention to
detail ensures complexity, tannin and above all, that signature elegance
that differentiates the Morgenster blend.
VINEYARD
REGION |
Stellenbosch
Helderberg ward |
VINTAGE
CONDITIONS |
A challenging vintage with much debate over the
optimum ripening status of the grapes. Strict crop thinning (green
harvest) was employed to ensure the quality. The season was almost 4
weeks later than 2003; with the Merlot coming up trumps! |
GRAPE
VARIETIES |
Merlot
Cabernet franc
Cabernet Sauvignon |
| MATURATION |
Individual components matured for 13-14 months
in 300l French forest oak; almost entirely new. The Merlot component
underwent malolactic fermentation in the barrel |
WINE
ANALYSIS |
| Alc / Vol: |
14.5% |
| Acidity: |
5.8g/l |
| pH: |
3.68 |
| Residual sugar: |
2.6g/l |
| Extract: |
38.0g/l |
|
FOOD
MATCHES |
Matches abound! Try rich risottos, rare roast
meats, a simple pasta with Morgenster Extra Virgin Olive Oil and fresh
herbs, crispy duck or crusted tuna |
Winemaker comments by
Marius Lategan |
| COLOUR |
Dense purple with great depth and concentration |
| NOSE |
Terrific intensity and purity highlight a gorgeous perfume
of sweet black cherries, roast herbs, meat juices, kirsch,
blackberries, spice ... ... as the wine evolves the aromas come in
waves |
| PALATE |
If pressed for one word descriptor, opulant would be the
word for the 2004 Flagship of the Morgenster Estate. It's full
bodied with more structure, tannin and delineation than the top
vintages 2003 and 2001. It will be at it's finest in 4 - 7 years and
at least 20 years beyond |
Awards
|
| Platter Guide 2007: |
4½ stars |
| Wine Magazine April 2008: |
4; Editor's Choice, Smart Investment |
| Decanter Magazine Awards May 2008: |
Gold Award |
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