Festive Case

Grapes were harvested by hand at 23.8° Balling in mid- February with yields averaging 10 tons per hectare. Each vineyard was individually vinified. Once the grapes had been crushed, the mash was cooled and fermentation took place between 12°C and 14°C over two weeks. There was no skin contact. The wine was left on the lees for six months to concentrate the flavours.

Le Bonheur boasts some of the highest, as well as oldest Sauvignon Blanc vineyards in Stellenbosch. The old block of the so-called Weather Station Cline is right next to the Le Bonheur cellar. At 450m above sea level Le Bonheur also have one of the highest Sauvignon Blanc vineyards in Stellenbosch. Overlooking False Bay, this vineyard benefits from cool ripening conditions. The 2022 vintage kick-started with ideal Winter conditions. Late rains contributed to even growth providing an excellent foundation for the crop. The season was cool with moderate weather conditions during harvest, slowing down ripening and allowing the vines to develop impressive fruit intensity. The vintage promises to deliver elegant wines with moderate to low alcohol, a fine tannin structure and concentrated flavours.

The grapes were harvested by hand at about 23.5 degrees balling and received no skin contact after crushing. Each vineyard was individually vilified. Thirty percent of the blend was barrel fermented in a combination of Allier and Nevers small oak, with the balance (70%) fermented in stainless steel tanks at 15 degrees Celsius to 16 degrees Celsius. After four months of lees contact, the wine was filtered lightly and the blend assembled.

Le Bonheur's Chardonnay vineyards are planted on the higher slopes of Klapmutskop and benefit from cooler afternoons. This is due to the shadow of Klapmutskop, which results in cool and moderate ripening conditions. The vines, which grow in a range of soils, from sandy to limestone or decomposed granite. The average yield is 8 tons per hectare. The 2022 vintage kick-started with ideal Winter conditions. Late rains contributed to even growth providing an excellent foundation for the crop. The season was cool with moderate weather conditions during harvest, slowing down ripening and allowing the vines to develop impressive fruit intensity. The vintage promises to deliver elegant wines with moderate to low alcohol, a fine tannin structure and concentrated flavours.

The 2022 Fumé Blanc was aged for 12 months in 400lt lightly toasted French oak barrels. Only 2500 bottles were produced.

Le Bonheur has the oldest Sauvignon Blanc vineyard in Stellenbosch - a Certified Heritage Vineyard planted in 1977. The old block of the so-called Weather Station Clone is right next to the Le Bonheur cellar. The 2022 vintage kick-started with ideal Winter conditions. Late rains contributed to even growth providing an excellent foundation for the crop. The season was cool with moderate weather conditions during harvest, slowing down ripening and allowing the vines to develop impressive fruit intensity. The vintage promises to deliver elegant wines with moderate to low alcohol, a fine tannin structure and concentrated flavours.

A selection of the finest barrels from the outstanding 2020 vintage. Gentle pressing and pumpovers resulted in an elegant and layered wine.

A seemingly unimpressive, flat site at the northern border of Le Bonheur belies the magic of Le Bonheur's reserve Petit Verdot vineyard. Both clay in the subsoil and overshadowing of the Klapmuts Hill contribute to the uniqueness of this site. Marginal, duplex soils result in balanced canopy growth, for a variety that is known for strong vegetative growth and big canopies. 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 benefitted from cooling of the bunch zones.

The wine was matured in 300L French oak barrels for 12 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.

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.

A selection of the finest barrels from the outstanding 2019 vintage. Gentle pressing and pump-overs resulted in an elegant and layered wine.

A symphony of vineyard sites on the slopes of the Simonsberg and Klapmuts Hill. The Cabernet Sauvignon is from an elevated, east-facing vineyard, characterised by slow ripening and intense, bold flavours. The selected Merlot barrels are from an old vineyard, planted on the lower slopes of the estate in 1984. The Cabernet Franc is on planted on a steep, north-facing ridge on the lower slopes of Klapmutskop. The Petit Verdot is planted on a rather flat site on the northern part of Le Bonheur, characterised by duplex soil, with clay in the subsoil. The 2019 vintage stands out in terms of freshness and elegance. The Le Bonheur wines from this vintage boast natural acidity and crispness. Phenolic ripeness was attained at lower sugar levels resulting in wines with lower alcohols.

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