Mixed Cellar Case

Grapes were hand-picked and each block was processed separately. After destemming, berries underwent optical sorting. Fermentation occurred in open-top tanks with intermittent pump-overs and punch-downs to extract desired flavours and tannins. Post-fermentation, some tanks underwent extended maceration. Each clonal batch was micro-vinified in oak barrels, with a small batch spending up to 10 months aging in terracotta amphorae before final blending and bottling.

The Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards are situated on the warm north-facing slopes of the Helderberg region within the Stellenbosch appellation. The Hutton Clovelly soils, rich in gravel, contribute to the wine's depth and fruit purity. The vineyards are approximately 250 metres above sea level, with the Atlantic Ocean 15 kilometres away, extending the ripening period by up to three weeks and resulting in optimal phenolic ripeness.

The wine was matured for 16 months in 300-litre French oak barrels (40% new). A small batch (8%) spent 8 to 10 months in terracotta amphorae, enhancing complexity and depth.

The grapes were hand-harvested in the cool of the early morning. Whole berries were fermented in open Nico Velo concrete tanks with intermittent pump-overs and punchdowns to ensure a balance between flavour, colour and tannin extraction from the skins. The Shiraz component was partially whole bunch fermented to aid with flavour complexity. All ferments were meticulously monitored to ensure that the natural aromas and flavours were preserved. After primary fermentation, some tanks underwent extended maceration. Each variety was matured separately in oak before final blending and bottling.

The 2021 Vintage was the first vintage where the vines started to come back into their normal circadian rhythm with the rain and temperatures normalizing. This vintage started with the soil at full water holding capacity allowing the vines to bud with no limitations. The temperatures this season were relatively hot, but had intermittent cooler days with rain. This led to stretching the ripening of the fruit to allow the ripening process to continue for longer. The Proprietor’s Blend is a blend of six varieties that are grown on the property. These vineyards grow on the warm, north-facing slopes of the Helderberg region within the Stellenbosch appellation. These particular varieties thrive under these conditions and result in rich full-bodied red wines. With an altitude of approximately 250 metres above sea level, together with the cooling influence of the Atlantic Ocean, the ripening period can be extended, resulting in wines with phenolic ripeness.

Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels (30% new)

Hand-picked bunches arrived at the winery in the early hours of the morning. The bunches were sorted and destemmed, after which the berries underwent secondary sorting via an optical sorter to ensure that only the ripe berries remained. These whole berries were fermented in open top tanks. Intermittent pump-overs and punch downs ensured a balance was achieved when extracting flavour, colour and tannins from the skins. All ferments were meticulously monitored during fermentation to ensure that the natural aromas and flavours were preserved. After primary fermentation some batches were left on the skins for an extended maceration period. The batches were pressed and transferred to various old and new oak for maturation. Each batch of Merlot was micro-vinified in barrels before blending and bottling took place.

The 2022 vintage will definitely be remembered as the year where we had good fruit set. After pruning, budburst came about two weeks later than expected. This resulted in flowering occurring in a period with cooler temperatures. More berries per vine means a good balance between reproductive and vegetative growth, and, because we restrict pruning to allow for a certain tonnage per hectare, we don’t overburden the leaves. Mild conditions allowed the vines to catch up nicely with warm days after veraison. The heat before harvest is very important for the development of red cultivars and especially for the premium quality of our Cabernet Sauvignon. The Merlot vineyards grow on the warm, north-facing slopes of the Helderberg region within the Stellenbosch appellation. With an altitude of approximately 250 metres above sea level, together with the cooling influence of the Atlantic Ocean, the ripening period can be extended, resulting in wines with phenolic ripeness.

Aged for 16 months in French Oak barrels (20% new)