{"product_id":"ridgeback-his-master-s-choice-signature-c-2015","title":"Ridgeback His Master's Choice Signature C 2016 per Case","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCabernet Franc 45%, Merlot 33%, Cabernet Sauvignon 11%, Petit Verdot 11%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAWARDS:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eDecanter- Gold\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003ePlatters Guide-  5 star\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTim Atkin - 93 Points\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eVITICULTURE:\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe precision selected vineyards used for this ultra-premium wine face North-South\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eand are grown in deep Oakleaf soils. Irrigation is scheduled according to soil moisture\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eavailability. The vine shoots are vertically positioned where leaf plucking in the bunch\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ezone and a narrow canopy enables sufficient sunlight penetration into the canopy\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eensuring ripe tannins and optimal flavour at harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHARVEST DETAILS:\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe 4 cultivars used in our flagship blend were harvested at optimal ripeness at\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003evarious stages during the period of 29 January to 4 March 2016. The generous attention given to all component vineyards which included leaf plucking, narrow canopies and bunch trimming ensured optimally ripe fruit tannin and full berry flavour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWINEMAKING:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe hand selected cultivars for this blend were destemmed without excessive crushing and all unwanted stalks removed on the sorting table. The whole berry component into the open stainless steel fermenters was at 30%. After 12 hours of cold soaking each of the musts was inoculated with a commercial yeast strain best suited to the specific variety. Pump overs were given three to four times daily to extract colour, tannin and\u003cbr\u003eflavour. Each tank also received a single rack and return for further soft extraction.\u003cbr\u003eFermentation for each of the cultivars ran at 24-28 degrees Celsius and lasted for 5-\u003cbr\u003e7 days. Thereafter the wine was gently pressed and free run was consolidated with sufficient press fraction to enhance structure. The wine was gravity fed to 66% new, 22% second fill and 12% third fill 225 litre French oak barrels for secondary Malolactic fermentation. After 12 months of maturation the component cultivars were blended together and racked back to barrel for a further 6 months of integration. The specially selected barrels were lightly filtered prior to bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTASTING NOTES:\u003cbr\u003e Classic upfront cassis, mulberry and dark plum with notes of cigar box and liquorice. Firm, ripe tannin supports the rich midpalate and elegant pepper spice finish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFOOD PAIRING:\u003cbr\u003eThis blend is immensely versatile and would complement dishes including roast lamb,\u003cbr\u003egame or veal as well as dark chocolate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ridgeback","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43983223849059,"sku":null,"price":3900.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0617\/5640\/7907\/files\/2_b0ad31d1-070a-4f37-906e-5ab2984f0579.png?v=1773248642","url":"https:\/\/vineyardvault.co.za\/products\/ridgeback-his-master-s-choice-signature-c-2015","provider":"Vineyard Vault","version":"1.0","type":"link"}