Tao is the first wine in South Africa to combine three temperamental southern European varietals into a robust and rewarding offering that celebrates the joie de vivre that comes from sharing life with family and friends.
As with Tao, such joy can never be expressed adequately in words, but life is good when enjoyed with a bottle of great wine in the company of great people.
World Wine Championships
Critics Challenge International Wine Competition
Berlin Wine Trophy
Catavinum World Wine & Spirits Competition
Gilbert & Gaillard International Competition
Vitis Vinifera Awards
WINEMAKER’S NOTES
Vintage: 2009 (once-off)
Varietal: Zinfandel (70%) Sangiovese (20%) Barbera (10%)
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Winemaker: David John Bate
Production: 8 barrels
Bottle Sizes: 750 ml
Yield (t/ha): 4 t/ha
°Balling/Harvest: Average 24 û
Alcohol (%/vol): 14.5%
Residual Sugar: 2.4 g/l
TA: 6.1 g/l
VA: 0.8 g/l
FSO2: 23 mg/l
pH: 3.54
Maturation: 18 month barrel maturation with MLF (la malo) in barrels in new French wood (Nevers) of medium plus toast and American wood (second fill) of medium plus toast with toasted heads followed by 18 month bottle aging prior to release
UPC: 6009812400798 (individual bottles)
SCC: 06009812400804 (cases of 12 bottles)
TASTING NOTES
Appearance
Swirling shades of Venetian red and rosewood extend to a maroon rim pushing a ruby edge. Brilliant lustre and luminosity with long legs and notable colour extraction foreshadow a vibrant, complex personality that invites immediate interest.
Nose
Alluring aromas of blackberries, brambleberries and blueberries intermingle with top notes of cinnamon and cocoa in a large yet nuanced nose. Hints of vanilla, nutmeg and fire-cured long leaf cigar tobacco allude to substantial oak pedigree.
Taste
Satisfying sensations of baked blueberries, sun ravaged blackberries and flambéed cherries in a bold yet balanced fruit forward opening that yields to softer, more sensuous strokes of black peppercorns and Mediterranean spices that tickle the mid-palate in the most intriguing ways. Whispers of Italian espresso and melted dark chocolate deliver a luxurious and lingering farewell that completes a truly enjoyable and unique lifestyle experience.