The historic Vrede en Lust Wine Estate, situated on the foothills of the Simonsberg mountain, has just released the latest vintage of the Napoleonsberg Cabernet Sauvignon.
This is a premium red wine that embodies the unique character and terroir of the Cape Winelands. Vrede en Lust’s heritage dates back to 1688, when the French Huguenots settled in the area, originally naming this towering mountain, Napoleonsberg. This majestic range was later renamed after the Cape Governor Simon van der Stel. Vrede en Lust is a family-owned winery that has built a reputation for producing some of the finest wines in South Africa. Its commitment to sustainable farming practices and traditional winemaking methods has earned it numerous accolades and awards.
This full-bodied red wine is crafted exclusively from grapes grown on the estate, that were hand-picked, sorted and vinified with care to retain the essence of this unique terroir. The slopes of the Simonsberg mountain are renowned for its ideal red grape-growing conditions, with its ancient granite based Clovelly, Glencoe/Oakleaf and Tukulu soils, long sunlight hours in the summer and plentiful winter rainfall, combining to form this unique terroir. The Vrede en Lust vineyards are protected by the 1400m peaks from the hot afternoon sun.
Four specific Cabernet Sauvignon clones, planted on modern rootstocks, were selected to make up these vineyards. This combination perfectly suits the ancient soil types and helps to promote a layered and complex wine. The best possible vineyard practices are promoted to be environmentally friendly and economically sustainable.
This masterfully crafted Cabernet Sauvignon captures the essence of the New World winemaking style, combining traditional techniques with a touch of modern sophistication. The grapes are cultivated with meticulous care to ensure optimal ripeness and flavour development at harvest. Only Cabernet Sauvignon specific yeasts are combined to ensure a gentle fermentation. The wine is matured in French oak barrels which contributes to the structure and texture. We use a selection of different coopers to gain complexity in the wine. The tannins found in the wood slowly meld with the wine, providing a refined framework that supports the wine's weight and imparts a velvety mouthfeel. This harmonious marriage between the wine and the oak elevates the overall balance and smoothness of the Cabernet Sauvignon, making it a delight to savour. The wine is aged in barrels for 16-18 months. During maturation the barrels are regularly tasted and only the best barrels are identified and will be used to create the Napoleonsberg wine.
On the palate, this wine reveals a beautiful balance between power and finesse. The finish is exceptionally long and satisfying, leaving a lasting impression that invites further exploration. Its versatility makes it an ideal choice for both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations.
The Napoleonsberg Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine that embodies the passion and dedication of the team at Vrede en Lust. Each bottle is individually numbered and is encased in a luxury gift box that is ideally suited to be customised by each customer for their own use.
The Vrede en Lust Napoleonsberg Cabernet Sauvignon is now available for purchase at our cellar door and online.
Visit www.vnl.co.za/wines/napoleonsberg/ for more information.
