Technical Analysis
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most suited varietal to Waterford Estate soils, making up 35% of the total plantings.
Tasting note
The 2018 vintage shows pure fruit and earthy notes complimented by classical pencil lead-like aromas and a typical dry tannin structure with a seamless balance to the finish. The vintage can be considered classical in style, with a tight tannin structure and fresh acidity. Being a drought vintage the stress on the vines was sure to create more concentrated grapes, packed with flavour and quality.
Vintage conditions
With the winter having lower levels of rainfall the vineyard was going to be stressed during the springtime but what followed was near-perfect growing conditions for flowering and berry set. Harvest time was characterised by moderate temperatures and a distinct lack of heat waves which was ideal for berry ripening. The vineyards remained very healthy and produced the perfect bunches, smaller berries than normal but this gives great concentration.
AWARDS
Tim Atkin MW: 94 pts
Tasting video
With cellarmaster Kevin Arnold. (Apologies for the sound quality)
Technical Analysis
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most suited varietal to Waterford Estate soils, making up 35% of the total plantings.
Tasting note
With over two decades of producing this Estate wine, it has systematically increased in quality, more consistently expressing the terroir of the Helderberg. Wine shows off pure fruit and earthy notes complemented by a classical pencil lead aroma. A typical dry tannin structure with seamless balance to finish.
Vintage conditions
The third year of drought in the Western Cape was very noticeable in the natural mountain vegetation and low dam levels. Low winter rains were followed by near perfect growing conditions, moderate temperatures and lack of heat waves during the harvest. The vineyards remained very healthy and produced lovely bunches, smaller than usual berries giving great concentration. The resulting wines are extremely classical in style, with tight tannin structures and lovely acidities. Reds are going to be great talking points in the future.
Tasting video
With cellarmaster Kevin Arnold. (Apologies for the sound quality)
Technical Analysis
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most suited varietal to Waterford Estate soils, making up 35% of the total plantings.
Tasting note
With over two decades of producing this Estate wine, it has systematically increased in quality, more consistently expressing the terroir of the Helderberg. Wine shows off pure fruit and earthy notes complemented by a classical pencil lead aroma. A typical dry tannin structure with seamless balance to finish. A blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Merlot.
Vintage conditions
A vintage which will be remembered for drought and heat. Luckily Waterford’s location on the Helderberg mountain and the near proximity to the ocean allowed the vineyards to cool down overnight. The lack of water throughout the ripening season resulted in light bunches with tiny berries, giving the wines great colour and flavour.
Vinification details
Aged for 19 months in 26% new, 225L French oak barrels.
