2020 Wines of One Man Band

Brocha Vineyards near Elgin is home to the 10a of vines that produce One Man Band and Solace, plus a 15ha conservation area of fynbos (fine bush scrub), and 5ha given over to pasture for a small herd of Nguni cattle. This division of land is in keeping with owner Rozy Gunn’s philosophy (wife of Andrew Gunn of Iona) that any farm should give due recognition to the critical relationship between formal agriculture, natural vegetation and its livestock in order to function as a healthy and independent entity. It reflects the ripe Syrah from Brocha vineyards lower down in the Elgin Valley, and other varietals from higher up overlooking the Atlantic.

Made with Petit Verdot 43%, Syrah 35% and Nebbiolo 12% with traditional vinification. Hand harvested, before being destemmed and sorted on a vibrating table, the grapes were destemmed and not crushed. Once wild fermentation had started the skin cap was softly punched down 2 times per a day to achieve desired extraction. Post fermentation the wines underwent extended maceration; the wines were tasted regularly in order to assess the extraction level and when to press-off. Once pressed off, the wines undergo spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrel where they were aged for 16 to 18 months, in 500L French oak barrels, of which 20 to 25% is new oak.

Tasting Note: A cool climate peppery spice, grippy tannins, with layers of bramble and black cherry fruit.

Food match: Rich, hearty red meat dishes.