Wine Composition

Cabernet Sauvignon (51%), Merlot (31%), Petit Verdot (9%), Malbec (9%)

Winemakers Comments

The nose is greeted with a bouquet of dark fruits accompanied by a subtle oak influence. Ripe blackberries and cassis dominate with nuances of black cherry. Hints of cedar, vanilla, and a delicate wisp of tobacco add layers of complexity and a sense of refinement. Blackcurrant and black plum flavours take centre stage on the palate, followed by notes of dark chocolate and a touch of espresso. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering impression of dark fruit and a touch of toasted oak. Enjoy this blend with hearty dishes such as grilled ribeye steak, braised short ribs, or rich stews to fully embrace its warm climate influence and indulge in an exceptional wine experience

Technical Analysis

Alcohol Percentage

13.80%

pH

3.63

RS

3.5 g/l

TA

5.5 g/l

Vinification

Each component of this wine was harvested at point of optimal ripeness and fermented in stainless steel tanks. A portion of the juice completed malolactic fermentation in 225L oak barrels. The wine was matured in French oak barrels (35% new oak) for 16-18 months

Winemaker

Karlin Nel

Winery

Vrede en Lust was founded in 1688 by a Flemish Merchant called Jacques de Savoye. The Governor of the Cape allocated this farm to De Savoye, who fled Europe with his wife, Marie-Madeleine le Clerq, due to religious persecution. After 70 days at sea, they arrived in Table Bay on 26 April 1688 on the 160ft Oosterland. The scene shifts to the Drakenstein, sparsely populated with only 23 Dutch freeburgers having settled there before. The valley is majestically beautiful, though quite rugged, with dense forests, game, lion and leopard, and the only human inhabitants, some nomadic Khoi. The pioneers lived in simple clay and reed homes. This is where De Savoye became the owner of a magnificent piece of land against the foothills of the Napoleonsberg (today known as the Simonsberg)

He called his farm Vrede en Lust (Peace and Delight/Eagerness), nurturing visions of a rural paradise where he could spend his last days. He immediately started improving the 55 Ha of land that starts at the Bergrivier valley floor and runs up the eastern foothills of the majestic Simonsberg Mountain.