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TASTING NOTES
Mulberry and blackberry fruits dominate the first impression of this wine. But time in the glass reveals hints of mint, mocha and vanilla. These pungent primary fruit characters were tempered by the deft use of and maturation in well-seasoned French oak barriques. This elevated and therefore cooler site yields ripe fruit flavours but with the rigidity and slight austerity that one expects from fine Cabernet Sauvignon. The tannins unleash a succession of fruit flavours on the palate with the overall impression being one of length, depth and power.
IN THE VINEYARD
Location: West facing slopes of the Helderberg
Altitude: 75-100m
Distance from the sea: 10 km
Soil type: Hutton (decomposed granite)
Rootstock: Richter 99
Age of vines: 2-3 years
Trellising: Vertically shoot positioned
Pruning: 2 node spurs
THE HARVEST
The grapes were harvested in March 2001.
IN THE CELLAR
Closed tank fermentation with regular oxidative pump-overs. 3 week maceration on skins Malolactic fermentation in oak. Regular racking. Light filtration. 14 months barrel maturation (all French oak (Nevers, Alliers and Troncais. Medium and medium plus toast), 40% new). The wine was bottled on the 1st July 2002.
AGEING POTENTIAL
Up to 2-6 years. Time in the bottle will undoubtedly add further degress of complexity to this opulent wine.
BLEND INFORMATION
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
ACCOLADES
Fairbairn Trophy Bronze
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