Waterford Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Description

PHILOSOPHY
At Waterford Estate, they embrace the harmonious collaboration between nature and the delicate balance of artistry and science to create truly authentic fine wines. Waterford wines embody a profound sense of place, culture, and an unwavering dedication to excellence.  With a deep-rooted belief in transcending boundaries, Waterford craft wines that offer a sensory journey, capturing the true essence of the Helderberg Mountain’s terroir.

A World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Conservation Champion and accredited Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) estate, Waterford also has Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trade Association (WIETA) accreditation and is a member of the Biodiversity in Wine Initiative (BWI).

VINTAGE REVIEW
The 2019 vintage in the Cape Winelands experienced cooler weather due to increased rainfall, which was much-needed in the agricultural industry. This vintage is fruit-forward with a softer structure, especially in late-ripening varietals. Wineries chose to extend grape ripening to achieve normal tannin levels.

CULTIVAR
92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec & 2% Petit Verdot

VINEYARD
The Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards flourish in the loamy gravel soils of Waterford Estate. They are situated on the warmer, north-facing slopes at an altitude of approximately 330m above sea level. This elevation takes full advantage of the ocean breeze, which significantly cools the vineyard canopy during the afternoons. Waterford Estate boasts 8 diverse clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, each cultivated across various sections of the estate. The predominant soil type comprises grey loamy soils with a substantial content of gravel and stone. The majority of these vineyards were planted between 1999 and 2002

VINIFICATION
The grapes are hand-harvested, destemmed but not crushed. After sorting, the whole berries ferment in vessels for about 18 days. Following fermentation, the wine is pressed and moved to select French oak barrels for Malolactic fermentation and ageing. The blend is created during the first racking (at 6 months), with two more rackings during ageing to assess oak influence before bottling.

MATURATION
Aged in 300L French oak barrels for 21 months, 30% new oak

TASTING NOTE
ON RELEASE (Date tasted: June 2023)
This wine boasts dark fruit aromatics dominated by black currant, along with distinctive herbaceous notes of fynbos that reflect its Helderberg origin. The intricate minerality on display highlights the influence of the granite-based soils. On the palate, vibrant acidity complements well-integrated, classical tannins, imparting body and balance to the wine. It exhibits impressive richness and concentration, concluding with a robust finish characterised by firm tannins and lively fruit, promising graceful aging for many years to come.
EVOLUTION AFTER 10 YEARS
Ageing is evident in the colour shift, as red mellows to brown at the edges. The palate mirrors the vintage’s generosity, balanced by fresh acidity and integrated tannins, characteristic of the cooler year. These chalky tannins contribute to a lasting, fruit-driven finish with a mineral edge.

AGEING POTENTIAL
5 – 20 years from production

PAIRING SUGGESTIONS
With the classical earthy and savoury characteristics of the wine along with the dry tannin structure. Classical red meat dishes seasoned with cracked sea salt pair well but also pairs well with other savoury dishes.

WINE ANALYSIS
Alc 12.8%
TA 5.0 g/L
RS 1.34 g/L
pH 3.67

Additional information

Classical red meat dishes seasoned with cracked sea salt pair well but also pairs well with other savoury dishes.