With over two decades worth of experience in producing this Estate wine, the Waterford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is always increasing in quality and becoming more consistent in expressing the terroir of the Helderberg Mountains.
The 2018 vintage shows pure fruit and earthy notes complimented by classical pencil lead-like aromas and a typical dry tannin structure with a seamless balance to the finish. The vintage can be considered classical in style, with a tight tannin structure and fresh acidity. Being a drought vintage the stress on the vines was sure to create more concentrated grapes, packed with flavour and quality.
The vineyard
Being based on the foothills of the Helderberg Mountain it is hard to come by a more perfect location to grow Cabernet Sauvignon, with the vineyard being situated on the north-facing slope of the mountain, the sun warms the vineyard throughout the entire day resulting in great ripeness in the grapes. The upper layer of soil is composed primarily of decomposed sandstone and granite, which brings about great structure in the wines. The lower layers consist of fine red clay which traps moisture and produces more vibrant fruit characteristics.
Vintage review
With the winter having lower levels of rainfall we knew that the vineyard was going to be stressed during the springtime but what followed was near-perfect growing conditions for flowering and fruit set. Harvest time was characterised by moderate temperatures and a distinct lack of heat waves which was ideal for berry ripening.
The vineyards remained very healthy and produced the perfect bunches - smaller berries than what was expected but it gave great concentration.
Winemaking
Crafting a Cabernet Sauvignon is a patient task, one where taking your time is rewarded with excellent results. The Waterford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a patient wine, a wine that is not worked too hard in the cellar, with a gentle extraction and a relaxing maturation to guide the wine in developing an authentic expression of the terroir.
The wine is vinified in French oak barrels with only 36% of the wine going through a more rigorous oaking regime in new barrels, the rest of the vintage is split between second, third and fourth fill barrels. This split between new and old barrels is done to achieve great structure in the wine while still allowing the wine to show vibrant fruit.
Wine fact
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most suited varietal to Waterford Estate soils, making up 35% of the total plantings.
Awards
Tim Atkin Special Report 2022 - 94 points
This vintage is one to look out for! Don't miss out on your opportunity to taste one of the best Cabernet Sauvignons in South Africa. Visit waterfordestate.co.za to learn more.