There's A Suma on my Ridge

Sumaridge:

My most noteworthy aspect of the tasting, outside of the wines – although we were offered the only white of the eve as a “welcome drink” (a practice I fully support going forward) which was rather notable- was the seasonal platters on offer on the farm. I am a fan of platters served with The Wine. I’d try it.

WHITE:

·         Sumaridge Maritimus (2010): 55% Sauv, 30% Chardonnay, 13% Semillon, 2% Viognier. Green apricots, orange punch, orange peel, big flavour but fresh, mouth watering, well-educated Sauv, savoury oranges. Sauv – cold tank fermented, Chard & Semillon – 4^th fill Chardonnay barrels. Less acidity gives aging potential. (**)

RED:

·         Sumaridge Epitome (2009): 54% Shiraz, 46% Pinotage. Spicy raspberries & cherries, berry cobbler with nutmeg, oxtail & vanilla, caramel & custard, tanniny, velvety mouthfeel, berry coulis & custard, light, airy spices, lurking Stopayne at the finish, peppery chicken mayo sandwich, spice increases as it breathes, spicy pickles when you sniff your empty glass, tangy sweetness.

·         Sumaridge Epitome (2008): 57% Shiraz, 33% Pinotage, 10% Merlot on new wood. Strong honey, rich with spice, oats & butter, crème caramel with spicy coulis, fynbos, slight bitterness at the end, hot cross buns with Marmite, cough mix, acetone on the empty glass. (*)

·         Sumaridge Epitome (2007): Shiraz, Pinotage & Merlot. Honeyed muesli, granola & raisins, molasses, cough mix, (*) for the nose, less for the taste.

Notes from this Novice:

·         Vineyards that are radically exposed to the maritime climate produce the most distinctive flavours.

·         Vineyard is primarily a Chardonnay & Pinot Noir producer

·         Granite is the mother rock of the farm & the soil is high in iron

·         Epitome – site specific wine, Cape blend of Shiraz & Pinotage

·         Greek for ultimate example or best expression