The Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot vineyards grow on the warm north-facing slopes of the Helderberg region within the Stellenbosch appellation. The Hutton Clovelly soils contain a high gravel content which offers rich middle palate weight giving this wine exceptional depth and fruit purity. With an altitude of approximately 250 metres above sea level together with the cooling influence of the Atlantic Ocean just 15 kilometres away, this extends the ripening period by up to 3 weeks resulting in lovely phenolic ripeness.
Different hand-picked bunches of the various Cabernet Sauvignon clones, as planted on the estate, arrive at the winery. Great care is taken to ensure that all clones from various block are kept separate. The bunches are sorted, destemmed and berries are sorted again via an optical sorted. The whole berries are fermented in open top tanks. Premium selection grapes from selected parcels within the various clonal blocks are fermented in smaller open fermenters. Intermittent pump-overs and punch downs ensure that right flavours, aromas and tannins are extracted from the berries. All ferments are meticulously monitored during fermentation to ensure the right balance between flavours and tannins are achieved. After primary fermentation some tanks will undergo extended maceration if required. Each clonal batch of Cabernet is maturated separately (micro-vinified) in oak barrels before blending. All these different batches and the various characteristic of the Cabernet clones make up the final blend of Cabernet Sauvignon.
A fragrant unspooling of red berries, just plucked off a wintery branch, cool and incandescent. The aromas deepen to the darker tones of cassis, brambleberries and black cherries. The vivid fruit is overlaid with a hint of balsam, sketched in with woody spice, fresh cinnamon, touches of vanilla smoke and classic cigar box. The line of cassis continues onto the palate with ripe plums and succulent red cherries, the juicy fruit enlivened further by a refreshing, natural acidity. Fine-grained, powdery tannins layer and dissolve, carrying all that fruit towards the appetisingly clean, and dry finish.
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Cabernet Sauvignon
Alc. 14.38% by Vol. – R.S. 2.6 g/l – T.A. 6.1 g/l – pH 3.61
Aged for 17 months in 300 litre French Oak barrels (20% new)
Veritas Awards 2022 - Double Gold
Global Fine Wine Challenge - Double Gold
Winemag Prescient Cabernet Sauvignon Report 2022 - 94 Points & Top 10
Platters Wine Guide 2022 - 4.5 Stars
