Ladybird Red -Organic-

TASTING NOTES

A new release of our most popular wine. This vintage by many is regarded as one of
the top vintages of modern day South – African wine growing. Right up there with
vintages like 2003, 2009 and 2015. Like all our loyal followers know we are the
oldest Organic wine Farm in Stellenbosch. We started in 2000 and by now we are
seen as the benchmark for this sophisticated but necessary wine growing practice.
We do have absolutely superb “terroir” with good slopes and amazing soils. Deep
roots are anchored in red clay granite type of soil. This keeps the moisture and
allows for slow ripening of tannin in the warm growing months. We are in the
warmest area in Stellenbosch but we have surprisingly the coldest soils. We also
have soils with lots of organic material which I think is very important for quality
wine production.
We handpicked and usually start at the end of February with our “Bordeaux“ type
varietals. We do have all 5 varietals on the farm which we think is important. They
complement each other and each one have a special characteristic to add to the final
blend. We destem and before crushing we hand sort to take out all green stems or
what is called, material other than grapes, (MOG). We believe this is very
important. We like classical wines and therefore we would rather pick a bit greener
to preserve freshness and drinkability. We use mostly open top fermentation tanks
with manual punch downs for a soft extraction and skin contact can be anything
from 5 to 35 days depending on outside factors. We do not use finning agents and
most tanks are fermented with natural yeast and low sulphur levels. Malolactic is
done in stainless steel tanks and ageing around 12 months in French oak only.
Deep dark colour. Fantastic fruit expression with red berry, blackberry, cedar wood
and some dark chocolate jumping out of the glass. Palate is full bodied with good
oak integration and oodles of fruit also evident. Great length and complexity,
definitely a wine for the long run. Typical Laibach tannin structure with chunky, yet
velvety tannins in abundance. A great testimony of “terroir” and vintage working in
harmony. Drink 3 - 8 years after vintage.

ACCOLADES

• Veritas Awards : Gold Medal - 2019 vintage