Carmen Stevens ‘Petrichor’ 2022

Carmen Stevens ‘Petrichor’ Bordeaux Blend 2022

Winemaking

All fruit are handpicked in small picking crates to protect the integrity of the fruit. Grapes are hand sorted ensuring only the best fruit are transferred to the tank for fermentation. A combination of wild and cultured yeast transforms the grape juice into wine. Huge amounts of oxygen are incorporated to stabilize colour and lock in aromas and varietal expression while encapsulating the tannin structure. The different components are aged for 15 months in French oak barrels, and 5 % new French oak is used to respect the varietal characters.

Tasting Notes

Deep ripe cherry in color, the wine reveals a luscious array of sweet black currant, ripe cherries, and subtle vanilla notes from French oak maturation. The soft nose is complemented by hints of sweet spices. The palate entrance is smooth and fresh, flowing into sweetish ripe blackberry fruit. The Cabernet Franc contributes a graphite-edged elegance, while Carménère adds a distinctive spicy undertone. This harmonious blend of five Bordeaux varietals delivers remarkable depth and length, leaving a lingering impression that persists well beyond the finish. This wine reflects careful vineyard selection across three regions and meticulous winemaking, resulting in a refined, age-worthy Bordeaux-style blend.

Analysis

Alcohol: 14.5 %
Residual Sugar: 3.3 g/l
Total Acidity: 5.6 g/l
pH: 3.64
Wine of Origin: Western Cape – Paarl, Stellenbosch & Wellington

Vineyard Notes

The Petrichor 2022 – is a fusion of 5 grape varieties with Cabernet Sauvignon as the main component at 57%, Cabernet Franc 18%, Merlot 12%, Petite Verdot 9%, and Carménère at 4%. The blend represents 3 growing regions with – Stellenbosch at 53%, Paarl at 30%, and 17% from Wellington. The average age of the vines combined is 28 years. These vines are grown in a combination of granite soils against the Helderberg Mountain, Stellenbosch, and well-drained granite and shale soils of Paarl and Table Mountain sandstone of Wellington.