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93 points - Tim Atkin
The guiding principle for Wade Metzer’s winemaking philosophy is that winemaking must always respect the fruit. To achieve this he uses non-interventionist principles; no mechanical interventions, indigenous yeasts and no fining or filtration. Many of his wines are Old Vine Certified, including this Chenin.
90% Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Shiraz. Grapes sourced from the Steynsrust area of the Helderberg; planted on heavily weather granitic soils overlooking False Bay.
100% destemmed into open top fermenters. 5 days of cold soak preceded fermentation, during which it was punched down once a day. After fermentation the wine was gently basket pressed before being gravity fed into oak barrels (30% new) for malolactic fermentation and 15 months of ageing. Bottled unfiltered and unfined.
The wine shows classic Cabernet flavours of ripe plums, herbs and cassis as well as a hint of smoked meat. The wine opens up with darker undertones of cigar-box and spice before a mélange of layered berry fruits. The palate is full bodied, lifted by a fresh acidity and framed by compact yet prominent tannins.
