Stellenbosch the custodian of world-class Cabernet

When it comes to world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch has it all.

Its unique combination of soils, sites and skilled winemakers was yet again attested in the 2018 Prescient Cabernet Sauvignon Report, with 30 of the 40 top wines selected, hailing from this historic wine-growing region.

Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon

“We are so proud that so many renditions of the Stellenbosch district made it into the top 40 wines that scored 90-95 points. It proofs yet again that Stellenbosch has the extraordinary ability to forge outstanding Cabernet quality. Renewed focus and excitement around this king of wine varietals confirms our tenacity, provenance, legacy and exceptional track record” shares Stellenbosch Wine Routes manager Elmarie Rabe.

Neil Ellis Cabernet Sauvignon Jonkershoek Valley 2015

Cabernet Sauvignon, this most widely planted red wine variety in South Africa, requires the perfect terroir, plenty of sun but with moderate temperatures and well-drained, weathered shale and granite soils. And Stellenbosch ticks all of these boxes.

Warren Ellis - Neil Ellis Wines

Cabernet Sauvignon is the last variety to ripen in the season and is exposed to all the trials and tribulations of the vintage, so it needs the perfect terroir to perform at the highest level.

The range of soils, elevation and aspects in and around the Stellenbosch Wine of Origin appellation make it the perfect region for cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon that balances the New World’s generosity of fruit with the elegance of Bordeaux.

RJ Botha - Kleine Zalze

“There are two paradigms of Cabernet: there’s Bordeaux, and there’s Napa Valley,” says José Condé, winemaker at Stark-Condé in the picturesque Jonkershoek Valley. “I’d say we sit nicely between the two.”

Previous decades have seen winemakers experiment with both Old and New World approaches to wine-making, but local cellars are today putting their own stamp on Cabernet, imbuing each bottle with a character that is uniquely Stellenbosch.

Morne Vrey - Delaire Graff

“You want ripeness without jamminess. Wines that are alive, not dead. Viticulturally, we’ve come a long way,” says Morné Vrey of Delaire Graff, the Banghoek property owned by international jewellery magnate Laurence Graff.

Delaire Graff Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2015

“It’s not like Stellenbosch chose Cabernet… Cabernet chose Stellenbosch. There are many properties here with long track records that need to be respected. It’s clear that Cab is Stellenbosch’s calling card and I think the variety has got a great future,” adds Rabe.

The top scoring Stellenbosch Cabs worthy of your #CaberMay wine collection are:

Neil Ellis Jonkershoek Valley 2015

Delaire Graff Reserve 2015

Strydom Rex 2015

Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection 2015

Zorgvliet 2016

Stellenbosch Reserve Ou Hoofgebou 2016

Fleur du Cap Unfiltered 2014

Dombeya Fenix 2014

Spier Woolworths Private Collection 2015

Thelema 2014

Tokara Reserve Collection Stellenbosch 2014

Warwick The Blue Lady 2015

Kleine Zalze Family Reserve 2015

Glenelly Lady May 2012

Glenelly Lady May 2013

Le Riche Reserve 2015

Rust & Vrede Single Vineyard 2015

Glenelly Glass Collection 2015

Eikendal 2016

Stark-Condé Stellenbosch 2015

Le Riche 2015

Ernie Els Proprietor’s 2015

Lanzerac 2015

Neil Ellis Stellenbosch 2015

Jordan The Long Fuse 2015

Waterford 2015

Bartinney Skyfall 2014

Rustenberg Peter Barlow 2015

Rudi Schultz 2015

Erika O. 2015

Neil Ellis Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

“Cabernet Sauvignon is the yardstick by which all wine regions are judged, and over the years Stellenbosch has proven to be the most successful area in South Africa for producing great Cabernet,” concludes Etienne Le Riche, cellar master at Le Riche Wines.

To keep up with the latest from the King of Cab, follow @StellWineRoute or visit www.wineroute.co.za. Also join and explore the online conversation @StellenboschCab

Issued by: RANDOM HAT COMMUNICATIONS