Neethlingshof 1802 Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Type: Red
Country: South Africa
Region: Stellenbosch
Grape Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Climate: The locality of Neethlingshof enables cool sea breezes from both the Indian and Atlantic oceans to penetrate the vineyards and cool down the grapes during hot summer days
Terroir: The vineyard was planted in 2011 on a west-facing slope at around 120m above sea level. The full extent of the vineyard is 5 hectares with a planting density of 2,506 vines per hectare. With rootstocks of Richter 110 and north-south row orientation, the vines are trellised onto a six-wire vertical Perold trellis system allowing for balanced canopy management. While a drip irrigation system is installed, irrigations of the Tukulu and Oakleaf soils are applied only if required to alleviate excessive moisture stress
Winemaking: The grapes were picked by hand and at full ripeness on 10 March 2017. With analyses of 3.53 pH and 6.2 g/l of total acid, the juice was balanced and healthy in preparation for inoculation with NT202 yeast. Fermentation took place in stainless-steel roto tanks and fermentation temperatures were maintained at between 25 and 28°C. After the completion of the primary fermentation, the wine was allowed a short maceration period of three days on the skins in order to assist in the integration and softening of the tannin structure. Following this, the free-run fraction was transferred to a stainless-steel resting tank where malolactic fermentation was induced by the inoculation of a pure culture. Maturation took place over an 18-month period in 300-litre French oak barrels. Two-thirds of the barrels were new with the remaining number being of second-fill. Only three of the finest barrels were selected for final bottling
Color: Deep ruby
Nose: Attractive aromatics of cassis and sugarbush, harmonised with cedar and earthy characteristics
Palate: Full-bodied wine with a beautiful fresh intro leading to a long finish displaying flavours of spice, cherries and cloves
About the Winery:
In the heart of the Cape wine region, you will find Neethlingshof Estate, one of the oldest wine estates in South Africa. Wines have been produced here since 1692. Originally founded by a German immigrant named Willem Barend Lubbe, it now produces high-quality wines from the Western Cape. Since 2003, they have also been pursuing an active biodiversity strategy to limit the monoculture of wine.
The estate grows many different grape varieties, including well-known ones such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay or Chenin Blanc, but also the Pinotage, Gewürztraminer or Riesling typical of South Africa.
With their south and southwest exposure, the plants soak up plenty of sun during the day, while being cooled by cold sea air at night. The growth process is thus rather slow, which gives the grapes a ripe aroma.
