Bushell Red : 2017

Estate Red Blend : Merlot 87% : Cabernet Franc 9% : Malbec 4%

Alcohol : 14.71%

Acid : 6.0g/L

pH : 3.45

Residual Sugar : 2.6g/L

Composition : 10 months 100% French barrels,
25% New wood

Production : 5000 x 750ml bottles (830 x 6) + 328 x 1.5lt

Release Date : September 2017

Viticulture

Soils:

Decomposed granite loams and rocky sands.

Aspect & Elevation:

West/South West 180-270m above sea level at 8km from the Atlantic Ocean.

Trellis & Plant Density:

Spur pruned on fence type at +/- 4000 plants per hectare.

Harvest dates:

21st March 2015, hand harvested to crates.

Winemaking

Cellar door:

De-stemmed and crushed to a steel fermenter with pre-ferment maceration.

Fermentation:

Selected yeasts with pump over’s for on average 10 days duration to full completion.

Maturation:

Matured with Malolactic fermentation in barrel, a combination of 225lt & 500lt for 10 months.

Bottled:

15th February 2017 and matured pre-release for 6 months in our cellars.

Winemaker’s Note:

Our Sumaridge Bushell is typically accessible now with a well-balanced structure and ripe fruitiness. A full bodied yet classy Merlot driven blend that shows a brooding aromatic profile amply supported by the textured palate which is defined by an endearing line of soft tannin and a lingering aftertaste. This ample bodied blend has a supple structure making it accessible whilst possessing good maturation potential.