Atlas Swift Shelter Red Blend 2021

WINEMAKER: Martin Smith
COMPOSITION: 56% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Malbec
ORIGIN: Paarl & Wellington
AGE OF VINES: 6-23years
IRRIGATION: Supplemental / drip and dry-land
SOIL TYPE: Clay with some shale and quartz
PRODUCTION VOLUME: 1887 x 750ml
AGEING POTENTIAL: 6 to 8 years from vintage

VINTAGE CONDITIONS:

The 2021 harvest kicked off around two weeks later than normal due to unusually cool weather conditions throughout the season, which persisted throughout harvest time. Good colour extraction, low pH levels and high natural acidity all point to exceptional quality wines.

VINIFICATION:

Each component was hand-harvested at a fairly ripe 25 Brix and fermented on the skins in small open-top fermenters, with daily punch-downs of the cap. The wine was pressed at 5 Brix, and transferred to 225L French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and a maturation period of 22 months. After bottling, the wine was aged for a further 10 months prior to its release.

TASTING NOTES:

Aromatic scents of blueberries, red currants, cassis and balsamic vinegar, supported by undertones of purple basil, graphite and black pepper. The alcohol is in balance with a core of intense black fruits, while the tannins are grippy yet ripe and supple. Approachable in its youth due to the larger Merlot component. The acidity adds freshness to the fruit, and the black pepper adds depth to the long finish, akin to a classic Saint-Émilion red.

Explore the exquisite journey of our wines through the years. We've curated an archive of tasting notes to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of this wine's evolution. Click here for 2019 tasting notes or click here for the 2022 tasting notes.

Highest alcohol by volume (ABV): 13.5%