Nico van der Merwe Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Hand-picked grapes from a low-yield vineyard on a western slope with deep, heavy soil. Early optimum ripe because of correct canopy management and only light irrigation. Fermented at 27°C in a small tank with 5 times per day punching down. Skin contact of 21 days was allowed before very light press into new 225L French oak barrels. After the 2nd fermentation sulphur was added and the wine matured for 18 months at 16°C in the barrels. The best 3 barrels were blended and only 600 bottles were bottled.

Rich, tough but elegant. Huge structure, harmonized tannins. Rich flavour of oak spice, pencil shavings and dark berries. Long and complex finish.