“Leaving our footprints and soul in the vineyard and living our passion in the cellar”

A desire to explify the traits of the mountain vineyard site, to capture the ethos and distinct sense of place, resulted in this noble wine being released as a single varietal. A wine of distinction that will reward careful cellaring and patience.

ORIGIN Helderberg, Stellenbosch

ASPECT West & North-West facing slopes

SOIL Decomposed granite –Tukulu

ALTITUDE 345 m above sea level

PROXIMITY TO THE OCEAN 9 km from False Bay

VINTAGE CONDITIONS

An exceptional cold winter and overall cool weather with above average rainfall made for the perfect growing season. Winter rainfall was 607 mm and there was snow on the peak of the Helderberg Mountain above the farm. A cool and wet budding season with less wind than expected during flowering, made for a challenging period. With 50 mm rain during ripening and temperatures rising moderately, we experienced a fairly cool period. Moisture levels remained favourable and overall the conditions were ideal – one of the best seasons experienced to date with excellent concentration and elegant flavour in our berries.

MATURATION 17 Months in French oak barrels, 55 % new

OPTIMUM SERVING TEMPERATURE 17 – 18 °C

TASTING NOTES

COLOUR Light garnet

NOSE Fragrant layers of violet and rose petal laden black cherry aromatics make a lingering impression on the nose. A real signature expression of terroir with fresh tobacco leaf and subtle graphite lift.

PALATE Crisp red fruit and crushed black cherry show lovely purity and concentration with a hint of rose water and a touch of fresh tobacco leaf. Delicate texture on the palate with a dense, well balanced and fine tannin structure. The finish is fresh and perfumed, yet savoury, with a touch of graphite. Expressive, mineral and precise – a very stylish Cabernet Franc.

GRAPE VARIETY Cabernet Franc

WINE ANALYSIS Alcohol: 14 % RS: 2.74 g/litre TA: 5.95 g/litre pH: 3.41

TOTAL PRODUCTION 265 cases of 6