Labyrinth Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 - Simonsig

Wine of Origin South Africa, Stellenbosch.

Simonsig vineyards located on deep red granite and schist soils with high moisture-holding capacity.
This minimizes the need for irrigation and provides great concentration to the grapes. In 2019 there was a prolonged drought, perhaps the worst in 100 years. The dry weather throughout the season had its advantages in that the vines were healthy, with few or no pests or diseases. The dry, warm weather produced smaller but high intensity berries. The Cabernet Sauvignon did not disappoint and produced wines with an abundance of fruit and beautiful balance.

Throughout fermentation, 2 to 4 pump-overs per day were carried out, adjusted according to the rate of fermentation and its stage. The wine spent 13 to 22 days on the skins before undergoing a soft pressing in tanks. It was then racked into barrels for malolactic fermentation and aging, with a total of three racking during this aging process.

Matured for 12 months in French oak barrels: 40% 1st use; 15% 2nd use; 20% 3rd use; and 25% older barrels.

James Suckling: 91;
Tim Atkin: 89;
Decanter: 87.