Western Slopes

Black pepper and poppy seed crusted venison loin.

With Vines now in their prime of cultivation, it is evident to see how well the Rhône varietals planted on the Western slope of Riebeeksrivier thrive on these schist (from shale) soils. With the start of the drought in South Africa, yields where lower and harvest started earlier than usual. Smaller berries with good colour and intense flavours were an early indication of the quality that the 2015 vintage would bring. Dry weather conditions led to a very healthy season and excellent quality throughout the harvest.

The wine was aged in 4th and 5th fill French oak barrels for 16 to 18 months. These older barrels ensure that these vineyards wonderful fruit flavors are preserved with low intervention from oak. With each vintage, the blend, or cultivar percentages is slightly different, ensuring consistency of style irrespective of the vintage.

Grapes were hand sorted to ensure only the best quality berry will be used. All components of the final blend where handled and fermented separately. Fermentation was done in various vessels to ensure that the unique characteristics of each block would be emphasized and captured, to be used as a component in the blend.

This is a range created in recognition of the Cape of Good Hope’s vinous heritage which stretches back more than 350 years when the first Governor of the Cape planted grapes. These unique wines are the result of irreplaceable parcels of old vines and site specific terroirs. The labels reflect the grape variety as well as the origin and singular characters behind them.