Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

Enjoy with a medium-rare lamb rump, with roasted root vegetables.

An east-facing, elevated site planted to Cabernet Sauvignon in 1999. The vineyard is right in the centre of a geographic vein of iron rich Tukulu and Hutton soils, which have led to Simonsberg's status as South Africa's own Cabernet Country. The elevation and aspect of this vineyard results in moderate ripening conditions. Slower ripening, combined with healthy vineyard canopies contribute to healthy grapes and elegant, balanced wines, with high natural freshness and phenolic ripeness at lower sugar levels. The 2020 vintage is considered as a highlight of the decade. With sufficient water, moderate temperatures and healthy, but balanced vigour, it was a vintage that delivered grapes with high natural acidity and concentrated flavours. The vintage was also characterised with very strong winds, however, vineyards on the Simonsberg slopes did not suffer any damage and benefited from cooling of the bunch zones.

The wine was matured in 300L French oak barrels for 18 months.

The wine was made to express the site. Due to balance in the vineyard, adjustments in terms of pH and acidity were not required. Grapes were picked early in the morning and were cold soaked before fermentation started. Gentle pressing and pump-overs resulted in an elegant and layered wine.

Le Bonheur has a rich winemaking history dating back to the late 1700s. The estate’s spirit of a journey to happiness dates back to an era when the estate was a trading post for French Huguenots travelling between Cape Town and Franschhoek. The property soon gained a reputation as a lush place of solace and social gathering, which led to the Estate’s name: Le Bonheur, meaning happiness. Today Le Bonheur brings the name it was given by the French settlers to life, by contributing to everyday happiness through simple moments of sharing and enjoying great wines.