2023 Tribute "Lord Sam" Cabernet Sauvignon

THE WINE

A medium to full bodied Cabernet offering a mélange of dark currants, briar, dark chocolate and dried autumn leaf.  The warm and juicy palate of ripe fruits and chalky fine tannin run the length of this wine.  This is Cabernet that may be enjoyed now but will reward cellaring over the medium term.

THE VINTAGE

An uncharacteristic growing season, one of the most challenging vintages with breaking monthly rainfall records, high humidity, and disease pressure. Improved weather conditions were welcomed in January providing good ripening conditions. Although crops were down a little, fruit quality has been high resulting in elegant wines.

VITICULTURE + WINEMAKING

This wine is a blend of clones. Harvested from the low laying block E being selected as a SA125 clone, and block F made up of WA Cape and 412 clones taken from upon the west facing hill. Winemaking is very traditional in the winery, basically without intervention.  Fermented in open pots, the fruit is very much treated as the hero.  Gentle pump overs and some hand plunging ensure consistent fermentation temperature and extraction.  Pressed on dryness and racked to small French oak barrels for a 14-month maturation, before assemblage to tank and bottling.

FOOD MATCH

Low and slow smoked, point cut brisket.  Side of skin on roasted potatoes. 

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Varietal composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Alcohol: 13.0%

TA: 5.3

pH: 3.36

Cellaring: Now - 2029