The Helderberg Annandale pocket of wine farms form part of the Golden Triangle, an area well-known for noble grape varietals, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. Our Cabernet Sauvignon vines are planted on the warmer, lower slopes of the Estate. A wine of poise, possessed with real elegance and polished tannins.

ORIGIN Helderberg, Stellenbosch

ASPECT North & North-East facing slopes

SOIL Cumulic soils – Oakleaf, Tukulu

ALTITUDE 300 – 400 m above sea level

PROXIMITY TO THE OCEAN 9 km from False Bay

VINTAGE CONDITIONS

Leaf fall occurred at the normal time which allowed good reserves to build up. Winter started late with warmer day and night temperatures and lower rainfall than in the 2016 growing season. A warm spring resulted in early, however uniform budding. A cool yet dry and windy November/December resulted in drier soils and small berries. January rains moistened soils and cool evening temperatures allowed for slower ripening of our grapes. A remarkable vintage featuring wines of outstanding quality and longevity.

MATURATION 18 Months in French oak barrels, 40 % new

OPTIMUM SERVING TEMPERATURE 17 – 18 °C

TASTING NOTES

COLOUR Deep ruby red

NOSE Alluring aromatic swirl of red fruit with some floral notes, opening up to a gentle cascade of pencil shavings, minerality, delicate purple flowers, fresh tobacco leaf and some dried herbs.

PALATE Tight on the palate with elegant cherry, some tobacco leaf and a graphite edge. Perfectly balanced with layers of fruit purity and expansive, cashmere texture which permeates across the palate and lingers to the dry finish. GRAPE

VARIETY Cabernet Sauvignon

WINE ANALYSIS Alcohol: 14.0 % RS: 2.7 g/litre TA: 6.4 g/litre pH: 3.36