Description
ORIGIN
All the grapes for this wine originate from Helderberg Area in Stellenbosch.
VINTAGE
The lead-up to the season was favourable with normal budding, flowering and set. Initial shoot growth was slow but it accelerated later, especially after rainfall in early December. The rain brought disease pressure. The harvest started earlier than usual. Analyses in the early grapes were good, but acidity dropped for later grapes.
Flavour intensity stayed excellent throughout the picking process. The season will be remembered for heavy rainfall in March and its significant impact on the red cultivars that ripen later.
VITICULTURE
The vineyards are trellised and planted on the first prominent slopes approximately 7km from the False Bay coastline. Soils are a combination of weathered granite and shale, offering both proper drainage and water-holding capacity. Occasional coffee-stone gravel occurs throughout. Sustainable practices are followed, and the vineyards are managed to ensure good aeration and optimal light penetration. Destemming and sorting take place in the vineyard.
VINICULTURE
The grapes were harvested at optimal ripeness, destemmed and fermented in stainless-steel tanks with two pump-overs per day. After three weeks, the wine was pressed and transferred to the barrels. Maturation took place over 18 months and in 300-litre French oak barrels, of which 33% were new. The Cabernet Sauvignon components were blended and filtered before bottling in September 2025.
CELLARMASTER’S IMPRESSIONS
The Helderberg area in Stellenbosch is renowned for producing some of South Africa’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine shows vibrant berry fruit, complemented by clove and turmeric spice. Classic cigar-box notes are prominent, with subtle minty herbal nuances in the background. Due to the rain in March 2023, sugar levels were lower, resulting in a moderate alcohol and an exceptionally approachable, elegant and drinkable 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon.
CONNOISSEUR’S CHOICE
Thanks to its ample tannin structure and flavourful intensity, this Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic partner to lamb and beef. It is equally at home alongside a variety of red meats, pairing beautifully with pork, venison, marinated steaks and rare cuts of beef. Rich, slow-cooked dishes such as wintery stews or beef stroganoff complement the wine’s depth and structure. The wine also pairs effortlessly with earthy and aromatic flavours – from the sweetness of roasted root vegetables like beetroot to the fragrant notes of rosemary and thyme. Charred onions add a gentle smokiness, while the savoury umami character of mushrooms echoes the wine’s layered complexity, creating a harmonious and satisfying match.
