VINTAGE 2013

Good winter rains and cold temperatures delivered excellent conditions for hibernation of our vineyards. Rainy and cold conditions delayed initial budding, but great spring weather led to very even budding of our vineyards although slightly later that usual. An extraordinary dry and windy mid summer (November/December) was the cause of uneven berries, especially in Merlot and Petit Verdot. This situation demanded more berry sorting in the vineyards than in previous vintages, at the onset of véraison. The very high maximum temperatures during December were substituted by very cool nights in January and February, which led to a short, even véraison and approximately seven days later ripening than normal. Altogether this gave birth to yet another vintage of superior grape quality in terms of flavours, freshness and structure. Our yield was 29.8 hectolitres per hectare.

Eisen & Viljoen 2013 has the rich hue of concentrated black berry juice, yet bright on the rim. Sophisticated pencil shavings, prunes and subtle oak nuances reach the nose at first and then intensify over time with notes of clove and prominent ripe dark fruits. On the palate, there is a harmonious marriage of perfectly ripe black fruit with subtle oak and mixed spices. Supple, generous tannins demand attention to a serious mid-palate followed by a complex, lingering aftertaste balanced between mocha, cassis and freshness.

Aged in the barrel and bottle for a total of forty-eight months, Eisen & Viljoen 2013 is an elegant, complex wine with uncompromising quality that is a true reflection of terroir and vintage.