Western Slopes

Black pepper and poppy seed crusted venison loin.

With lower rainfall bringing challenging conditions, the total wine grape production was lower than 2015. Even with drier weather conditions, the vineyards were healthy and produced smaller berries with high flavour concentration and good colour. 2016 May not be as upfront as the renowned 2015 vintage, but be sure to give it some time, for the depth and subtle structure indicates a very promising wine.

The wine was aged in a combination of 4th and 5th fill barrels for 16 to 18 months. The blend and percentages will change with each vintage, seeing that no vintage is ever the same.

Grapes were handpicked in small lug boxes and transported to the cellar in cool trucks. After hand sorting, all components were handled and fermented separately. Fermentation was done in various vessels, this ensures that the unique characteristics of each block and cultivar are captured and emphasized.

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.