Made from selected parcels of Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards planted on the north-western facing slopes of the Helderberg mountain and south-eastern facing slope of the Polkadraai Hills. These parcels of excellent Cabernet Sauvignon grow on a combination of deep decomposed granite soils with Table Mountain sandstone and “koffieklip”. The mild maritime influences from the cool False Bay coast and granitic soils are evident in this wine’s hallmark minerality and classic graphite-like profile.
Grapes are hand-harvested and transported to our winery in Franschhoek and cooled before vinification. Each harvest parcel is individually destemmed and crushed into tulip-shaped concrete tanks where they undergo a cold maceration period and spontaneous fermentation at temperatures between 27° and 30°. Frequent pump-overs and occasional delestage are performed to extract aromas, colour, and tannins gently. After alcoholic fermentation, a prolonged malolactic fermentation occurred naturally in 225-litre barriques. The wine was matured on our OXOline system for 22 months in 75% new light toast, long seasoned French oak from our preferred coopers, Sylvain and Saury
Boekenhoutskloof Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon
The nose is opulent, rich and ripe, offering intense aromas of brambles, mulberry, dark cherries and classic cassis. The abundant red and blackberry fruit of the nose follows through with spicy notes of nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves, with hints of molasses, espresso and fine cocoa adding to the complexity of a layered, generous, powerful palate. The medium-bodied mid-palate is structured and concentrated, yet supple, elegant and lithe with its abundance of pure, lush, poised fruit, balanced with mouthwatering, bright acidity and ultra-fine, polished tannins. The wine finishes dry and focused, with cigar box, pencil lead and charry tobacco lingering. lending complexity to the mid-palate. The wine is full-bodied with a rich, smooth mouthfeel. The finish is charry and long, with hints of maraschino cherry, pimento olives and sweet tobacco.