Cabernet Sauvignon

Beef, Lamb, Poultry

The 2021 vintage was marked by a late and steady growing season. A cold, wet winter provided good dormancy and replenished dam levels. Cool spring temperatures delayed but ensured even bud break, flowering, and fruit set. The moderate summer slowed ripening, pushing harvest about two weeks later than usual. February, typically the hottest month, was unusually cool, allowing gradual ripening with excellent flavour development and balanced acidity. With larger yields and concentrated flavours, the vintage is set to produce wines of depth and character, making it one to watch. For our 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon all the grapes were harvested from our Franschhoek vineyards on L’Ormarins Estate. The harvest begins with meticulous care, each grape is handpicked at the optimal ripeness and gently placed into small lug boxes. To preserve their pristine condition, the grapes are transported to the cellar in a refrigerated truck.

The wine is then matured in 50% new 225 litre French oak barriques for 24 months, where it develops its character and structure. After this, it is bottled unfiltered, capturing the essence of the vineyard. To ensure ultimate harmony and balance, the wine undergoes an additional two years of bottle ageing before release.

Upon arrival, the whole berries undergo a double-sorting process, including optical sorting, before being gravity-fed into a combination of stainless-steel and old oak fermenters. The berries are cold soaked for a few days, allowing the flavours to deepen before the must is slowly brought up to temperature. Fermentation begins naturally, by the vineyard’s own wild yeasts. Post fermentation, the wine is left on the skins for an extended maceration of up to five days, extracting further depth and complexity.

Anthonij Rupert Wyne is a Franschhoek-based producer with a portfolio that spans some of South Africa's most recognised wine brands, including L'Ormarins and Cape of Good Hope. The range showcases a variety of regions, styles and vineyard sites, from everyday favourites to collector-worthy releases.