Anna Catherina’s middle name symbolizes 'purity,' a value Melck cherished and one that this Simonsberg Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon aspires to embody. Brimming with concentrated dark fruit flavors—black cherries, berries, and plums—this wine is lifted by fresh acidity and framed by cedar wood and spice from 18 months in French oak, of which 10% is new. Sourced from three distinct blocks on the estate, it’s opulent yet refined, showcasing integration, balance, and impressive length. This wine is a true expression of its terroir, just as Melck remained true to his convictions.
The grapes, handpicked with a yield of 6 tons per hectare, were crushed, destemmed, and transferred into a mix of stainless steel and open fermenters. A controlled fermentation followed, with regular pump-overs and punch-downs to extract maximum flavor and complexity. Afterward, the wine was matured in 10% new French oak for 18 months. The resulting wine displays a harmonious blend of vibrant fruit, structured tannins, and fine acidity, capturing the balance and finesse characteristic of the Simonsberg terroir.
Winemaker: Hattingh de Villiers
Winemaker: Hattingh de Villiers
Tucked into the exquisite Knorhoek Valley north of Stellenbosch, Muratie Wine Estate, one of the oldest estates in South Africa, under the stewardship of Rijk Melck and his family, has been at the heart of a lot of passionate debate. This debate is centered largely around the desire to protect a century’s old wine experience that is a magnet for wine lovers around the world. Muratie's rich history is captured in every nook and cranny. Wherever you are on the estate you cannot help being moved by a sense of the many generations that have lived and worked there. The buildings, the artifacts and even the shrubs and trees exude an aura of the colorful past reaching towards an even more fruitful future. Standing in front of the cellar door at Muratie, you will see a small white building, this was the first home that Lourens Campher built for his family. Beside the house is the oak tree his wife, Ansela van de Caab, planted. The strength and beauty of the tree is testament to the steadfast love Lourens had for his Ansela.
