A unique expression of Cabernet Sauvignon
At Waterford Estate, the respect shown for nature and winemaking is central to our philosophy.
The Antigo is a prime example of this synergy, a wine shaped by both the vineyard’s natural composition and meticulous winemaking.
Grown on the eastern side of the estate, the red clay soils provide a nurturing environment for Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in a wine with a fruit-forward profile, smooth tannins, and a plush texture. The red clay acts as a sponge, absorbing moisture and nutrients, giving the vines an easier life with far less stress than that of the loam-like soils found under the vines used in our bolder, more concentrated Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.
Comprising 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, and 4% Merlot, the Antigo 2021 is a Cabernet Sauvignon-based red blend that captures the diversity of Helderberg Mountain terroir, the skill of our winemaking team and the estates understanding of Cabernet Sauvignon.
The grapes are hand-harvested as our first layer of quality control before a carefully monitored fermentation process of 18 days. The wine then matures in French oak barrels, 25% of which are new, for a total of 20 months.
A vintage of complexity and elegance
The 2021 vintage posed both challenges and opportunities. While high heat and substantial rainfall contributed to excellent fruit ripeness and structure, precision in harvest timing was crucial to achieving our characteristic concentration. The Antigo is a wine known for its balance of ripe fruit expression with refined structure, a hallmark of Helderberg-grown Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Waterford Antigo 2021 is vibrant and generous, offering notes of plush red currants, subtle tobacco, and oak sweetness on the nose. The palate mirrors this generosity, with acidity providing a lively balance to the wine’s exceptional plush structure. Gentle tannins carry the sweeter red fruit flavours, leading to a lingering, textured finish.
Ageing potential and pairing recommendations
While beautifully expressive in its youth, the Antigo 2021 also offers remarkable ageing potential.
Over time, the vibrant red fruit will evolve into mature, dried fruit characteristics, while the tannins will continue to integrate, creating an even more harmonious and complex wine.
A celebration of place and passion
The Waterford Antigo 2021 is a true testament to the land’s influence on fine wine. It is a bold yet refined expression of Cabernet Sauvignon, meticulously crafted with the dedication and precision that defines Waterford Estate's winemaking philosophy.