Cederberg Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Winemaker David Nieuwoudt
With a cool continental climate, diverse soil types, unpolluted air and free flowing crystal clear waters. High altitude Cabernet vineyards that have a longer ripening period give rise to this phenomenal wine.
Grapes are hand harvested at 24.5 – 25.5 balling. Cold soak for two days before it is inoculated with yeast. During fermentation colour/flavour extraction takes place with regular pump-overs every six hours along with two to three manual punch downs of the grape cap. A maximum temperature of 27°C is reached. On completion of fermentation a further 10-14 days of extended skin maceration takes place before pressing and barrelling in 225l French oak. Malolactic fermentation is completed in barrel and maturation is over 15 months in tight and medium grain oak.
40% 1st fill, 45% 2nd fill & 15 % 3rd fill barrel, tight and medium grain with medium and medium-plus toasting.
Tasting Notes:
A deep, dark, dense colour with only a hint of a paling rim. The nose greets with black currants and plump black cherries with a distinctive dusty, herbaceous note so typical of the refined taste profile of this high-altitude vineyard. On the palate, the dark fruit lingers with a vibrancy which gives way to smooth, chalky tannins and a lingering aftertaste. This is a fine example of Cabernet Sauvignon from high-altitude, cooler growing conditions, redering a wine of elegance and poise, rather than the blockbuster style that is more typical of warmer growing conditions. This Cabernet is beautiful to drink now, but will reward those with patience.
Best Enjoyed:
Cabernet Sauvignon is a tricky food partner. Due to its high tannin structure it needs protein, preferably cooked 'rare'. The tannins in the wine will connect with the protein in the meat and create magic every time.
Optimum Drinking Time: 3 – 6 years
Accolades:
Platter's SA Wine Guide '23: 4.5 stars - 2020 Vintage
Tim Atkin Report '22: 91 points - 2019 Vintage Michelangelo Awards '22: Double Gold - 2019 Vintage
SAWi Awards '18 - Platinum: 100 points
Platter's SA Wine Guide '20: 4.5 stars – 2017 vintage
Veritas '19: Silver Outstanding – 2017 vintage
IWSC '19: Silver – 2017 vintage
Novare SA Terroir Award '19 Cederberg Ward: Top Cabernet Sauvignon – 2017 vintage
Tim Atkin '19 Report – 2017 vintage
IWCA '19: Silver – 2017 vintage
Concours Mondial du Bruxelles: Silver Medal – 2017 vintage Prescient Cabernet Sauvignon Report '19: 90 points – 2017 vintage
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