DESCRIPTION

Grapes are sourced from the oldest Cabernet Sauvignon plantings in Hemel-en-Aarde, established in 1998. The Main Road and Dignity vineyards together span just 1.5 hectares on mid-slope granite and clay with a notable 20% Koffieklip component, set at 260m on north- and west-facing slopes. The 27-year-old vines (clone 163, cordon-trained) were harvested and destemmed with 50% whole berries, fermented spontaneously in open-top fermenters with gentle pump overs and light punch downs. Basket pressing was followed by 24 months in 225L French oak (30% new), then a short élevage in stainless steel before bottling, and a further 21 months of bottle ageing prior to release. Residual sugar: 1.55g/l. Bottled at 14%. (Bottle size 750ml)

TASTING NOTES

Nose: Cassis and black plum at the core, lifted by violets, incense and tea leaf. A graphite minerality and subtle fynbos character add alluring depth.

Palate: Medium-bodied but firmly structured, with blackcurrant, damson and mulberry layered with bay leaf, cedar and dark spice. Fruit purity is framed by a subtle earthy undertone from the Koffieklip soils.

Finish: Long, dry and tightly knit, with fine-grained, grippy tannins and bright acidity carrying length and definition.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON RED WINE