TheWorkofTime,SpringfieldEstate

<p>Quite deep and concentrated on the nose, it opens up on the palate to reveal crisp cassis fruit with smoky edges and a hint of green pepper all hung on a ripe firm structure. Excellent balance.</p><p>This wine is a blend of 4 different grape varieties, the most dominant being Merlot followed by Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and a tiny amount of Petit Verdot. It has deep ‘cigar box’ and cassis aromas with soft yet concentrated flavours of red and dark fruit, green peppers and a long finish. Springfield’s very own Bordeaux Blend. </p><p> Time – The lost element in today’s winemaking, can be so precious – yet it is free. It was our desire to produce a Bordeaux Blend and so we planted the classic varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. These vines were planted on carefully selected sites and took 9 years to reach a level of maturity which we felt comfortable to use for the maiden vintage (2001). </p><p> The grapes were fermented whole with native yeasts (true to our ancient custom) and left for 5 weeks on their skins. A slow 2 years of barrel maturation followed and a further 4 years of bottle maturation. Finally, we released this wine rich, classic and complex from age of vines and wine. </p><p> This long wait, justified only by our passion, does bear fruit. It’s called “The Work of Time”. </p><p> Harvested at full seed ripeness. Cold macerated uncrushed in open fermenters for 10 days. Punched through 3 times daily. 3 Weeks alcoholic fermentation. Only free run used. 100% Malolatic fermentation spontaneously in barrel. 24 Months barrel maturation in 1st and 2nd fill Sequin Moreau 300l. 4 Years bottle maturation at 14°C. </p><p>32% Cabernet Franc, 31% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Petit Verdot</p>