Technical Analysis: Alc. 14.5% | pH 3.62 | Total acid 6.4 g/l | Residual Sugar 1.4 g/l
Production: 4 666 bottles
Vinification: The two batches were split up: 65% of grapes were fermented in open fermenters and inoculated with yeast. 35% were fermented in Stainless steel tanks and underwent wild fermentation. Post fermentation maceration lasted a month, before transferring to 75% New French oak barrels. After 7 months of maturation, the two blocks were blended and transferred back to barrel for another 15 months of maturation.
Harvesting: The grapes were hand harvested in the coolness of early morning in two batches, to ensure optimal physiological ripeness. First picked on 2nd April, second picking on 15th April.
Source: This 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon was produced from fully ripened grapes harvested from Haut Espoir in the Franschhoek region.
Weather: Prior to ripening, the conditions were cool and dry, which meant a slower ripening for the red varietals.
Food Accompaniment: Red meat especially lamb, game birds, rich meaty casseroles, chargrilled meat or game.