Mitre’s Edge Sholto 2018

In 1999 Bernard and Lola Nicholls took over the family farm from Lola’s father, Martin Hunting, who had farmed there since 1969. Bernard changed his career from mechanical engineer to wine farmer, and winemaker, Lola, focused on producing relatively small quantities of high-quality wines.

Mitre’s Edge, is found at the foothills of the Simonsberg Mountain, between Paarl and Stellenbosch. Lola’s liking for Bordeaux wines led to the replanting of the old Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards with 18 hectares of newer clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Shiraz, Chenin Blanc, and Viognier vines were also planted. The predominantly oakleaf and clovelly soil types are ideally suited for the production of red wines.

The Mitre’s Edge emblem draws on centuries of winemaking tradition and biblical history. It is comprised of a mitre shape emerging out of the surrounding landscape which symbolizes the vineyard’s ample harvest and the creator’s provision. The surrounding hills are represented by the swirling shapes on either side of the mitre. The central cornucopian shape reflects the constant, abundant flow of wine and the scroll shapes represent tendrils, binding everything together and symbolizing strength.

Primary fermentation of this flagship Bordeaux-style blend took place in open vats followed by pressing in a stainless steel basket press. Malolactic fermentation was in a stainless steel tank barrel and the wine was then barrel matured in 225 litre barrels for 12 to 14 months. The wine is a blend of 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc, and 16% Petit Verdot.