Production
Reserve status is only endowed if the grapes and resulting wine measures up to exceptional standard. Hand selected grapes from older, lower yielding vines are used, 67% from the Helderberg Coastal area, 22% from the Simonsberg and 11% from Jonkershoek Valley. The soil type varies from decomposed granite with sandy/loamy duplex gravels in Raithby and Firgrove to alluvial sandstone on white clay in Jonkershoek. Vineyards are a mere 5-25km from the ocean and range from 80-320m in altitude. Fermentation is made with a selected yeast strain under controlled temperatures. Manual plunging during this period ensures optimal colour extraction. After seven days the tanks are closed and allowed to macerate for a further period, normally 10-14 days. Pressing follows and the wine is transferred to French oak barriques (70% new) for malolactic fermentation. After a year in barrel the individual batches are blended to form the final wine and returned to barrel for another year. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Matured in bottle for one year before release.
Tasting notes
Classic Cabernet Sauvignon aromas of fresh plums and blackberries, cherry, violets, and cassis. The aromas are wonderfully inviting with lively freshness. An appetising entry on the palate with firm acidity complemented by polished, fine-grained tannins. Remarkably balanced with integrated lead pencil shaving flavours and a long, lingering finish. A wine of great elegance with underlying weight promising excellent maturation potential.
Food match
Rich meat dishes such as fillet steak, paired with a rich and creamy peppercorn sauce. Bolder styled stews, for example boeuf bourguignon, oxtail or pot roast would also be well matched.
Awards
2021 Vintage
Decanter World Wine Awards 2024
Gold
