Description
Tasting Note
The nose shows a dark, brooding aroma of black currants, blueberries and gentle perfume of Cape Fynbos, oregano and thyme. Dark berry fruits like blueberries, blackberries, and hints of cassis follow through onto a smooth, rounded palate with bramble and tobacco notes. This wine displays a classic Cabernet structure with its vibrant, fleshy, yet playful, tannins. Hints of tar, graphite, cedar and dark chocolate linger on the finish with subtle nuances of cloves, anise and liquorice.
Vineyard & Winemaking
Grapes for our Helderberg Cabernet Sauvignon are sourced from the renowned Helderberg mountainous area around Stellenbosch. With its big diurnal range and combination of unique soils such as decomposed dolomite granite, Table Mountain sandstone and “koffieklip”, these mountains are considered prime terroir for Cabernet Sauvignon in South Africa, often said to contribute to the typical Cape garrigue or “fynbos” character. The fine tannin structure another characteristic of grapes sourced from the Helderberg area, as a direct result of the cooler climatic conditions and influences from the False Bay microclimate. After cold maceration, for optimal extraction of colour, flavour and tannins, the primary fermentation was started with selected native yeast. The wine was French oak matured for 12 months, of which 30% was in new barriques and 70% in older barriques. After maturation, assemblage was done, using only the very best components to create a sleek, sophisticated Cabernet full of cassis flavour, yet with elegant, refreshing red fruit undertones. This wine is deliciously approachable now but will keep for a further three to five years.
Technical Analysis
- Alcohol: 14,78% vol
- RS: 3.1 g/l
- TA: 4.8 g/l
- pH: 3.91
- W.O. Stellenbosch
