ak Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
“What an unforgettable harvest. Everything looked spectacular until it rained and didn’t stop leaving us with hectically low yields and a beautiful Noble Late Harvest Semillon – all this while dodging Eskom curve-balls. A harvest where teamwork and resolve were the hero’s of the day – making magic out of very difficult circumstances. We made and planted our first Riesling and and an especially lovely yummy Cabernet. To add to the fruitfulness for the year, Kerry and Chris were blessed with a small Genevieve.”
Tasting Notes
Beautiful, inky, dark black berry fruit in elegant balance with fine tannins, hint of smokiness and ground coffee beans.
Winemaker Comments
This is the second time we have picked, albeit 6 tonnes per hectare, from this new block at the bottom of the farm. The vineyard was beautifully balanced with a vigorous canopy - which we thinned on the east side to allow morning sun in while breaking leaves out on the west side - just sufficient to allow the wind through for keeping the grapes healthy. The vineyard was green harvested (removal of un-ripe bunches half way through veraison),this encourages even ripening of the remaining bunches. As usual we watched for wonderful flavours and optimal ripeness for harvest. Because the grapes were so healthy they spent over 2 weeks in post fermentation maceration which gives intensity of flavour, full mouthfeel and rounds the wine. It also softens the palate and makes for earlier accessability.
