Rubicon

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Very early on we recognized that 2015 had the potential for true greatness, and so our viticulture and winemaking practices focused on capitalizing on the perfect weather conditions. Coupled with this, most of our vineyards over 2 decades old, ensuring perfect balance between vigour and crop size. The 2015 Rubicon is a blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23 % Merlot, 12 % Cabernet Franc and 4 % Petit Verdot, each variety was fermented separately before undergoing malolactic fermentation in 300 L barrels, 66% new French Nevers and 44% second fill casks.

All the vineyards were green harvested during veraison to reduce yield, increase concentration and fruit definition. The cold wet winter of 2014 and early spring were ideal to promote very even canopy development and good fruit set. Extensive canopy management, leaf removal and bunch selection was practiced to ensure a uniformly ripe and healthy crop. 2015 is widely acknowledged as superb vintage in the Cape and this is clearly evident in our Rubicon 2015. All the vineyards were green harvested during veraison to reduce yield, increase concentration and fruit definition. The cold winter and mild spring were ideal to promote very even canopy development and good fruit set. Good winter rains in 2012 ensured sufficient soil moisture in our clay-rich soils, particularly important for Merlot. The crop was healthy due to the ever- present prevailing South Easterly sea breezes. The fruit from each vineyard was harvested in small lots and fermented separately to monitor vineyard expression.

After 9 months in barrel, the components were blended and given another 9 months in barrel for harmonization before bottling