Friday, 3 September, 2004
Janine Marais
It seemed that the 2004 vintage would not be able to live up to the excellent 2003 vintage after the heat wave in early January. It is known in the wine industry that the 2003 vintage has been described as the best white wine year in the last ten years. However, the hot spell was only four days long and with a cooler than normal summer, the vines recovered well.
The cooler summer also meant longer hanging time for the grapes and Charles Hopkins, cellarmaster at Graham Beck Wines Franschhoek, decided to harvest these grapes slightly earlier.
Harvesting of the grapes took place from the 20th of February 2004. The grapes were handpicked early morning before 6am from seven different vineyards all ocean facing, as Hopkins feels that a quality Sauvignon Blanc vineyard must see the ocean. Crushing took place at the Franschhoek cellar with a fermentation and reductive cellar technique being followed for best results.
Hopkins describes the flavour of the 2004 Sauvignon Blanc as "An expression of white fruit - melons, pears, litchis and granadillas with a lingering middle palate. A crisp, lively acidity and persistent finish await the Sauvignon Blanc enthusiast.
"The wine has more elegance and freshness of fruit," says Hopkins.
Hopkins concludes, "This Graham Beck Sauvignon Blanc should be enjoyed as an aperitif or with a salad nicoise or freshly caught fish.'
Issued on behalf of Graham Beck Wines
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Luanne Slingerland
Total Media
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