Cabernet Sauvignon is the heart of Waterford Estate, making up 40% of the vineyards on the property and is the leading varietal in the estate's flagship, The Jem. Every aspect of our viticulture is aimed at nurturing the quality of our Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards, even the lessons learnt from our old vine certified Chardonnay block are informing the decisions we are making for our slowly ageing Cabernet Sauvignon blocks.
The 2019 vintage is a reflection of our commitment to our diverse and unique terroir, crafted with precision and care to highlight the elegance, balance, and signature character of our estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon.
A vintage defined by balance and complexity
The 2019 vintage benefited from a cooler growing season, resulting in a fruit-forward expression with refined structure and exceptional ageing potential. The vines, deeply rooted in the loamy gravel soils of our north-facing slopes at 330m above sea level, were gently cooled by afternoon ocean breezes, preserving the purity of the fruit and enhancing its natural acidity. The cold stone, graphite quality is a telltale characteristic of our Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and showcases the impact that small changes in soil, climate and altitude have on wines.
The diversity of our eight Cabernet Sauvignon clones, carefully cultivated across the estate, contributes to the wine’s layered complexity. This may be 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, but it is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon from different microclimates dotted throughout our estate. The result is a vintage that balances vibrant fruit, well-integrated tannins, and a mineral-driven finish, showcasing the unmistakable Helderberg Mountain signature.
The 2019 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon reveals bold aromatics of black currant and fresh fynbos, echoing its Helderberg origin. The granite-rich soils impart a striking minerality, while the palate is defined by a bright acidity, silky yet firm tannins, and a concentrated fruit character. The finish is long and structured, promising graceful evolution over the next 20 years.
“The Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is the very essence of Waterford Estate. It captures our dedication to terroir and craftsmanship while offering an elegant and timeless expression of Stellenbosch Cabernet,” says Mark le Roux, cellarmaster at Waterford Estate. “The 2019 vintage tested us in the cellar, but by drawing on the experience of the team, we were able to create a wine we can all be proud of.”
We are proud to share that our Waterford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 has been awarded Gold at the 2025 Global Cabernet Sauvignon Masters in London, rated 93 points by Tim Atkin MW in his 2024 South Africa Special Report, and awarded 4.5 stars in the 2024 Platter’s Wine Guide.
The Global Cabernet Sauvignon Masters competition is part of the prestigious Global Wine Masters series, judged by leading Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, and senior buyers. Their expert, independent judgement awarded 125 medals this year - and we are thrilled to have earned a Gold!
The 2019 Waterford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is now available.
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