Technical Analysis
From a single vineyard (Block 4), planted in 2000. Situated on a north-facing slope, it benefits from Tukulu soil; Helderberg granite, Table Mountain sandstone and small depositis of iron stone.
Tasting note
Deep, opaque ruby with a prominent bouquet of cedar, pencil shavings and dark chocolate rounded out with cassis and black cherry. A full-bodied, classic Cabernet in a Bordeaux style, this wine shows fine-grained tannins and velvety acidity. Blackberries and mulberries complement savoury spice – coriander seed and juniper. Structured and powerful, this is a Cabernet that will continue developing complexity as it ages.
Vintage conditions
The vintage of 2018 was challenging because it was the fourth consecutive year of drought, bringing dry conditions with water restrictions. Careful water management was essential, but the benefit of the dry weather meant very healthy vines. The dry conditions also resulted in smaller berries, which in turn provide excellent colour and flavour intensity. Cooler nights towards the end of February meant a longer hang time, allowing for further flavour development. Despite the irrigation challenges and a smaller crop, 2018 bodes very well for high-quality wines.
Vinification details
Made from a designated Single Vineyard (Block 4), Estate-grown grapes are picked and sorted by hand. Harvest parcels and clones are vinified separately. Clusters are destemmed, crushed and pumped into open-top fermentation tanks where they undergo a 14-21-day maceration period involving a 7-day fermentation with pump-overs and manual punch-downs 2-4 times daily. Barrel maturation takes place in 100% French oak barrels (50% new, 50% 2nd fill), in 300l barrels for 22 months.
Technical Analysis
From a single vineyard (Block 4), planted in 2000. Situated on a north-facing slope, it benefits from Tukulu soil; Helderberg granite, Table Mountain sandstone and small depositis of iron stone.
Tasting note
This Cabernet Sauvignon shows off 2017’s deep, almost opaque colour. Aromas of rich, concentrated cassis, black cherry and blue berry evolve into more floral and spicy notes of jasmine, juniper and cinnamon. Fine, grippy tannins combine with a vibrant acidity to create a taut, structured wine. Intense black fruit follows though from the nose with flavours of dark chocolate, all spice and a savoury note of tobacco leaf adding to the complexity. The finish is crisp and dry with notes of sweet baking spices.
Vintage conditions
2017 saw the drought of the previous few years continuing. Very dry conditions with rainfall well below average, along with cool spring conditions resulted in smaller berries. Careful irrigation in the summer months was supplemented by rain just after véraison. Cool summer nights dropping consistently below 20°C allowed grapes to ripen slowly, retaining acidity and encouraging excellent formation of colour.
Vinification details
Made from a designated single vineyard, these estate-grown grapes were picked and sorted by hand. Each harvest-parcel and individual clones were vinified separately. Clusters were destemmed, crushed and pumped into open top fermentation tanks where they underwent a 14- 21-day maceration period involving a 7-day fermentation with pump-overs and manual punchdowns 2-4 times daily. Barrel maturation took place in 100% French oak 300L barrels (50% new, 50% 2nd fill) for 22 months.
Technical Analysis
From a single vineyard (Block 4), planted in 2000. Situated on a north-facing slope, it benefits from Tukulu soil; Helderberg granite, Table Mountain sandstone and small depositis of iron stone.
Tasting note
The epitome of the Helderberg and what it means for Cabernet Sauvignon fruit show in this wine. Decidedly dense black fruit, such as brambles and blackcurrant combine effortlessly with tobacco, forest floor, graphite and smokiness on the nose and the palate. It is a muscular wine where the concentration of the Cabernet Sauvignon fruit matches the tannin and spice brought on by the skins and oak. It finishes firm and fresh. It’s a complex, moreish wine that allows 2016 to show its fruit.
Vintage conditions
Extremely dry and warm conditions in the summer months resulted in drip irrigation being used, with a maximum rainfall the preceding winter of 469mm, much lower than the average 712mm. It was a vintage that was monitored extremely closely in the vineyard as the heat and dry conditions resulted in reduced berry size and earlier ripening. Harvest started on 3rd February, a week earlier than 2015. The 2016 vintage is well structured with a lighter body and linear fruit expression.
Vinification details
Fermentation took place in 100% 300L medium-toast French oak barrels (50% new) where it then matured for 22 months.
Technical Analysis
From a single vineyard (Block 4), planted in 2000. Situated on a north-facing slope, it benefits from Tukulu soil; Helderberg granite, Table Mountain sandstone and small depositis of iron stone.
Tasting note
Deep ruby in the glass. With notes of crème de cassis, aniseed and deep black fruits, this wine is full of primary fruit aromas, the palate leads on to a savoury feel with flavours of tobacco leaf, black forest cake and dark caramel from the oak influence. The finish is complex and lingering with a full mid-palate and dry tannin structure.
Vintage conditions
Early bud break and very dry conditions in the months following resulted in irrigation management being used. This led to a short and challenging harvest. Harvest volume was normal, up by 0.8%. The 2015 vintage is well structured with a lighter body and linear fruit expression.
Vinification details
After 10 days’ maceration, malolactic fermentation took place in 100% 300L medium-toast French oak barrels (65% new) where it then matured for 22 months.
