Description
CELLAR INFORMATION Two separate vineyards were hand-picked into small lug-boxes at optimal ripeness in the early morning and transported to the cellar in refrigerated trucks. The fruit was whole-bunch pressed and the juice allowed to settle overnight. VINEYARD INFORMATION Altima is situated in Elandskloof, an isolated valley north of Villiersdorp which is 5km wide and is surrounded by the surrounding mountain range that rises 1km from the valley floor. The steep topography causes the valley to receive less direct sunlight due to the overshadowing mountains, which together with the elevation of 600 to 800m equates to a very cool continental climate for the valley. Quartz sandstone which belongs to the Table Mountain Sandstone group appears against the higher- lying mountains. Good decomposed shale soils from the Malmesbury group are the main group of soil that occurs throughout the farm. This unique site produces fruit with a high natural acidity and low pH levels which contribute to the ageing potential of the wine. The slow ripening period and the absence of heat waves during January and February produce outstanding grapes with great structure and upfront aromas, and harvest is usually much later than other sites in the Western Cape. The 2019 vintage can in some way be described a vintage in two parts, with the first half experiencing favourable weather conditions and good fruit analyses until end of February, and the second half being more challenging, characterised by slower ripening due to cold and rainy weather in March. Good rainfall brought much needed relief from the severe drought experienced in the preceding 3 years, however, warm periods during winter and fluctuating temperatures during spring resulted in smaller berries and some uneven bunch development. Gale force winds and cool growing conditions led to significantly lower yields in certain vineyards. Despite moderate temperatures during December and January which initially delayed the onset of harvest slightly, early heat waves in February and lower yields resulted in these grapes being harvested much earlier than usual.
