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Douglas Green Harvest Report 20072007 was by all accounts a happy and healthy harvest for Douglas Green that had our Oenologist, Jaco Potgieter, and Viticulturalist, Stephan Joubert, proudly patrolling our designated vineyards and cellars very well satisfied and excited about this year’s bounty.The outstanding climatic feature of this vintage was the prolonged ripening period during spring and early summer. “After a good, cold, wet winter, the cooler nights between August and January allowed a 14 to 20 day longer ripening period in most regions,” says Jaco. As a result the grapes achieved great fruit expressions and ripeness at lower more balanced sugars promising great colours, flavour profiles and balanced alcohol levels. An unprecedented heat wave at the end of January saw temperatures soar over the 40°C mark. “This one was longer and more intense than any previous one I can remember,” says Jaco. Luckily, rain in early February and March saved the day and the later ripening varieties recovered very well. Whilst the young wines are starting to show their stuff, it is difficult to single out any particular variety at this stage other than Sauvignon Blanc that had our team bristling with excitement. ”The complexity and the mouthfeel of the 2007 Sauvignons are the best in many years,” raves Jaco. The performance of our other white varieties was also very pleasing. Chardonnay is showing poise and finesse with excellent citrus flavour profiles whilst still having a good structure and body. Our Chenin Blanc is looking elegant with pronounced tropical flavours. This also promises to be a vintage for great Pinotage with rich ripe plum, dark berry fruit and good tannin structure. Lower yields and smaller berries meant great depth of colour and flavour intensity in both Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Hard work and dedicated efforts in our Merlot vineyard sites have paid off with less ‘greenness’ evident and great ripeness coming though. “It is still early days, but 2007 looks like a harvest that will be great for Douglas Green wines across the board. Look out for our Sauvignon Blanc!” |
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