Western Slopes

Black pepper and poppy seed crusted venison loin.

With 2017 being the second consecutive dry and hot year, the harvest was slightly higher than expected. Cooler nights during the growing season and the absence of heatwaves during harvest season helped to buffer the effect of the drought to some extent. With dry weather conditions, the vineyards were healthier presenting smaller berries with good colour and a deeper concentration.

Ageing was done in a combination of 4th and 5th fill barrels and Nico Vello cement tanks. Using different vessels ensures that each block’s unique characteristics are captured and emphasized. Blends and cultivar percentages will differ each year, seeing that no vintage is ever the same.

Grapes were harvested from blocks planted on the Western-facing slopes of the farm. All grapes were handpicked in lug boxes and transported to the cellar in cool trucks. After hand sorting, the different components were handled and fermented separately in various fermentation vessels.

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.