Major Series Cabernet Sauvignon

Please note: Award stickers are applied at the producer's discretion and may not be present on all bottles.

Nine Cabernet Sauvignon clones grown at the property were hand-picked, and great care was taken to ensure each block was processed separately. Whole berries were fermented in Italian Nico Velo concrete tanks to preserve freshness. Premium grapes from selected parcels within the various clonal blocks were fermented in terracotta amphorae. Intermittent pump-overs and punch downs were done to ensure that the right flavours, aromas and tannins could be extracted from the berries. All ferments were meticulously monitored to ensure an optimal balance between flavour and tannins. After primary fermentation some batches underwent extended maceration. Each clonal batch of Cabernet was micro-vinified in a mix of French oak barrels, terracotta amphorae and Stockinger foudre before final blending and bottling took place.

The Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards grow on the warm north-facing slopes of the Helderberg region within the Stellenbosch appellation. The soils contain a high gravel content which offers rich middle palate weight giving this wine exceptional depth and fruit purity. With an altitude of approximately 250 metres above sea level together with the cooling influence of the Atlantic Ocean just 15 kilometres away, this extends the ripening period by up to 3 weeks resulting in lovely phenolic ripeness.

Aged for 16 months in 300-litre French oak barrels (35% new), with a small batch of Cabernet Sauvignon (5%) matured in terracotta amphora for 10 months and another 5% spending 12 months in Stockinger foudre.