Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

These limited release wines demonstrate the distinctiveness of specific vineyard sites and represent our finest quality. The Jonkershoek Valley is known to have the highest rainfall in South Africa while the south facing slopes are a lot cooler than surrounding Stellenbosch areas.

Vintage conditions

Relatively cold and dry conditions during the early winter of 2004 followed by good rainfall and thunderstorms in October. Harvest commenced on 12 March. Grapes were harvested between 24.0°B and 26°B with a total acid of 8.0 g/l and a pH of 3.25.

The vineyards

Sourced from trellised vineyards on Oude Nektar, Jonkershoek. Soils mostly decomposed granite.

Grape variety

100% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Winemaking

Fermentation initiated in stainless tanks and underwent a series of pump overs until dry. Further maceration before drawing off and light pressing . This wine spent 20 months in 80% new French oak barrels.

Bottled in December 2006.

Alcohol: 14.0%
Residual Sugar: 1.6 g/l
Total Acid: 6.0 g/l
pH: 3.6

Wine style

Medium red, purple in colour with high-toned blackcurrant, violet and cedar aromas and touches of mint, so typical of a Jonkershoek wine. The rich, ripe opulent but youthful palate has plummy fruit, a background of new oak and fine tannins.