Weather Conditions – Simonsberg, Stellenbosch
- Post 2020 harvest was dry and hot, this led to early leaf fall.
- As a result, there was poor establishment of carbohydrate reserves.
- Rain started late around end of May, this delayed cover crop establishment.
- Winter was very wet, although not cold. But we still managed to achieve enough cold units for a successful break in dormancy.
- Bud break was 14 days late due to cool early Spring conditions and cold, wet soils.
- Moderate weather over flowering and fruit set was ideal for berry and bunch formation.
- Big, lush canopies developed because of the moist soils and careful canopy management was necessary to ensure sufficient aeration and light penetration.
- The sustained cooler conditions led to veraison being 14 days later than normal.
- Ripening was also delayed by 10 – 14 days.
- A much cooler vintage, with slow, even ripening and great natural acidity.
Winemaking
The grapes were destemmed and lightly crushed into stainless steel tanks. The fermentation was allowed to start naturally, and 2 pump-overs were conducted daily to ensure optimal extraction. The wine was left on skins for 2-3 weeks after fermentation and then gently pressed. Matured in 300L French oak barrels for 12 months.
GRAPE VARIETIES 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
PRODUCTION 22 000 cases – 132 000 bottles
ANALYSIS Alcohol: 14.26% Vol. Total Acidity: 5.4 g/L pH: 3,64 Residual Sugar: 2,6 g/L