Metzer, Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
The guiding principle for Wade Metzer’s winemaking philosophy is that winemaking must always respect the fruit. To achieve this he uses non-interventionist principles; no mechanical interventions, indigenous yeasts and no fining or filtration. Many of his wines are Old Vine Certified, including this Chenin.
92% Cabernet Sauvignon with 8% Shiraz. Grapes sourced from the Steynsrust area of the Helderberg; planted on heavily weather granitic soils overlooking False Bay.
100% destemmed into open top fermenters. 3-5 days of cold soak preceded fermentation, during which it was punched down once a day. After fermentation the wine was gently basket pressed before being gravity fed into oak barrels (30% new) for malolactic fermentation and 15 months of ageing. Bottled unfiltered and unfined.
The 2022 vintage shows classic Cabernet flavours of ripe plums, herbs and cassis as well as a hint of smoked meat. The wine opens up with darker undertones of cigar-box and spice before a mélange of layered berry fruits. The palate is full bodied, lifted by a fresh acidity and framed by compact yet prominent tannins.
£28.75
Stellenbosch
Cabernet Sauvignon
LightFull Bodied
Description
During his international travels, Wade Metzer affirmed his affinity for Chenin blanc, believing no other white grape variety, is capable of responding so articulately to different terroirs; its potential unmatched throughout the world, particularly in his native South Africa. Wade is a true believer in the power of vineyards to express a sense of “somewhere-ness” in the final product.
VARIETAL:
92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Shiraz. The Cabernet components hail from three unique vineyard parcels situated in the Steynsrust area of the Helderberg. Two of
the blocks are mature bushvine parcels; now a rarity in the Cape winelands.
VINIFICATION:
This Cabernet has been fermented and aged as naturally as possible, without intervention and in search of an authentic reflection of its origin.
The grapes are de-stemmed into open top fermenters, and undergo a cold soaking for 3-5 days. The wine ferments naturally (without the addition of commercial yeast) for a period of 21 days during which it is punched down manually once a day. Thereafter it is gently basket pressed and moved by gravity into barrel.
The 2022 was raised for 15 months in French oak barrels including 30% new wood. The wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered in May 2023.
TASTING NOTES:
The wine shows classic Cabernet flavors of ripe plums, herbs and cassis as well as a hint of smoked meat. The wine opens up with darker undertones of cigar-box and spice
before a mélange of layered berry fruits. The palate is full bodied, lifted by a fresh acidity and framed by compact yet prominent tannins.
AGEING POTENTIAL:
The wine delivers immediate drinking pleasure but will gain in complexity with further cellaring.
Optimum drinking: 2025 – 2033 (18° C).
ANALYSIS:
Alcohol: 14.2%
T/A: 5.4 g/l
pH: 3.59
R/S: 1.8 g/l
Sulphites: 55mg/l
Additional information
| Alcohol vol | 14.2% |
|---|---|
| Grape | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Origin | Stellenbosch |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Wine Farm |
Grilled lamb chops that have been marinated in rosemary and garlic served with a fresh mint sauce.
2 reviews for Metzer, Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
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93 points | Tim Atkin MW Special South Africa Report 2024
“Wade Metzer sources this Cabernet Sauvignon from three Stellenbosch sub-regions – Firgrove, the Lower Helderberg and Steynsrust – blending it with 10% Syrah. Understated and acid driven, even at 14.2% alcohol, it has plenty of detail and freshness, well-handled
30% new wood and a core of graphite, mint and red berries, 2025-32”
Tim Atkin MW Special South Africa Report 2024 –
92 points | Platter’s Wine Guide 2025
“Bright from Helderberg’s Steynsrust area focused on fruit purity. This abetted, like last 2020 with 10% Shiraz for red berry & white pepper complexity on classic cassis. Complimentary clove & cardamom, silky tannins from 15 months 30% new oak.”
Platter’s Wine Guide 2025 –