Lion Hound red 2019 Shiraz 44%, Merlot 24%, Grenache 12% Cabernet Sauvignon 10%, Mourvedre 10% VITICULTURE: The North-South facing vineyards used for this wine are grown in a combination of Glenrosa and Oakleaf soils. The vines are vertically trellised for optimal bunch and berry ripening and irrigation is scheduled according to soil moisture monitoring. WINEMAKING: The 5 varieties were destemmed and only lightly crushed to prevent any damage to the pips. They were fermented separately in open top stainless-steel fermenters. The fermentation ran at 24-28 degrees Celsius with commercial yeast strains suited to the varieties. A 30% whole berry component ensured gentle extraction during pumpovers which were done 3-4 times daily. The wines were removed from the skins before complete dryness in order to retain softness. All red wines underwent MLF and a portion of the wine was matured on oak staves while the remainder underwent 12 months of ageing in third and fourth fill barrels ensuring good wood/fruit integration. The wine was then blended and lightly filtered shortly before bottling. TASTING NOTES: An intense, juicy red blend of dark cherries, plum and liquorice with a hint of cigar box and wood spice. The creamy midpalate evolves to a long, savoury finish. BOTTLE ANALYSIS: Alcohol : 14.0% Residual sugar : 4.4g/l pH : 3.57 Total acidity : 6.0g/l