Description
An exceptional cold winter and overall cool weather with above average rainfall made for the perfect growing season. Winter rainfall was 607 mm and there was snow on the peak of the Helderberg Mountain above the farm. A cool and wet budding season with less wind than expected during flowering, made for a challenging period. With 50 mm rain during ripening and temperatures rising moderately, we experienced a fairly cool period. Moisture levels remained favourable and overall the conditions were ideal – one of the best seasons experienced to date with excellent concentration and elegant flavour in our berries.
Tasting Notes
JancisRobinson.com 16.5
Smoking libraries and cigar jackets. This wine smells like it comes off the set of Downton Abbey. Majestically old-school. Plums and pepper. Topiary, freshly shaved into place. Stolid and grand with a touch of moss on those old, old stone steps. [Tamlyn Currin, 25/03/2026]
Anticipated maturity: 2026-2031
Greg Sherwood 96
This beautifully styled Bordeaux blend of 52% Cabernet Franc, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon was matured for 12 months in used French oak barrels. The aromatics are elegantly perfumed, brimming with fragrant violets, sandalwood, dried thyme and a vibrant melange of red and black berries with a sappy, cedar spice complexity. This Cabernet Franc lead blend is incredibly sleek and lithe, silky textured with fine grained powdery tannins underpinned by deliciously bright vivacious acids and a real persistence of black berry, red currant and pithy brambly fruits with a granitic liquid minerality that punctuates the seamless finish. This is true class personified. Drink now to 2040+ [Greg Sherwood MW, 01/03/2024]
