Cabernet Sauvignon, Waterford Estate
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most suited varietal to Waterford Estate soils, making up 35% of the total plantings.
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.
Technical analysis
ALCOHOL
13.6 %
RESIDUAL SUGAR
1.9 g/L
pH
3.57
ACIDITY
5.2 g/L
ORIGIN
South Africa
WINEMAKER
Mark Le Roux
VARIETY
Cabernet Sauvignon
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION
Yes
CLOSURE
Cork
BOTTLE SIZE
75cl
REGION
Stellenbosch
VEGAN
Yes
ORGANIC
Yes
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)
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Even in a tricky vintage like 2016, this remains a textbook Stellenbosch Cabernet that showcases all that is best about the variety in its Cape home from home.
Tim Atkin MW
Cabernet Sauvignon, Waterford Estate
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most suited varietal to Waterford Estate soils, making up 35% of the total plantings.
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.
Technical analysis
ALCOHOL
13.9 %
RESIDUAL SUGAR
2.3 g/L
pH
3.59
ACIDITY
5.6 g/L
ORIGIN
South Africa
WINEMAKER
Mark Le Roux
VARIETY
Cabernet Sauvignon
TIME IN OAK
19 months
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION
Yes
CLOSURE
Cork
BOTTLE SIZE
75cl
REGION
Stellenbosch
VEGETARIAN
Yes
VEGAN
Yes
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.
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