A distinct cooler climate Cabernet Sauvignon with hints of dark fruit, black pepper and even some dark chocolate. The palate shows good structure with superbly refined tannins and great length. Our Circumstance Cabernet Sauvignon is a perfect companion for a variety of dishes such as T-bone steak on the braai (barbecue) or slow- cooked lamb shanks.
Grapes were destemmed, hand sorted and placed into an open-top wooden fermenters via gravity. The natural fermentation started spontaneously - utilizing the wild yeasts present on the fruit. Punch downs (twice daily) were used during fermentation to ensure a soft and slow color and tannin extraction.
The wines spent 30 days on the skins to help integrate the tannins and stabilize the color. The skins were separated from the juice via gravity flow and gently pressed in a basket press.
The wine went through malolactic fermentation in barrel and was then aged in new (11%), second and third fill (89%) French barrels for 28 months. Only sulphur was added and no other additions, such as tartaric acid or enzymes, were allowed.
Winemaker : Nadia Barnard
The wines spent 30 days on the skins to help integrate the tannins and stabilize the color. The skins were separated from the juice via gravity flow and gently pressed in a basket press.
The wine went through malolactic fermentation in barrel and was then aged in new (11%), second and third fill (89%) French barrels for 28 months. Only sulphur was added and no other additions, such as tartaric acid or enzymes, were allowed.
Winemaker : Nadia Barnard
Waterkloof is located on the southwest facing, low-yielding and windswept slopes of Schapenberg (overlooking False Bay). Here the blustery southeastern (and sometimes the northwest wind as well) churns up the vineyards with regularity. This not only allows for a very low yield, but the flavors intensify a flinty minerality.
We use organic and biodynamic winemaking methods and adhere to Old World, sustainable practices in our vineyards to ensure that the vines are nourished and in balance. Our soils are free of chemicals and are kept healthy by using plant extracts, fungi, and bacteria from our own organic compost.
The two single vineyard blocks which we used are about four kilometers from the sea and are planted at a height of between 270 and 300 meters above sea level. The soils are of sandstone origin with medium-sized stones, helping with drainage and moisture retention. The vineyards are 20 years old.
We use organic and biodynamic winemaking methods and adhere to Old World, sustainable practices in our vineyards to ensure that the vines are nourished and in balance. Our soils are free of chemicals and are kept healthy by using plant extracts, fungi, and bacteria from our own organic compost.
The two single vineyard blocks which we used are about four kilometers from the sea and are planted at a height of between 270 and 300 meters above sea level. The soils are of sandstone origin with medium-sized stones, helping with drainage and moisture retention. The vineyards are 20 years old.
