VINEYARDS
Circumstance Cabernet Sauvignon is grown on the slopes of the Schapenberg. The farm is about 5 kilometres from the False Bay coastline, and the Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards are planted at a height of between 260 and 280 metres above sea level. The soils are of sandstone origin with medium-sized stones, helping with drainage, while retaining the ability to hold moisture. The vineyards are trellised to handle the canopy effectively. Strong south-easterly winds occurred during the growing season, which helped to control growth and crop. The vineyards are of an average age of 9 years. Production was approximately 8 tons/ha.
THE 2006/07 GROWING SEASON
After several dry winters, we had very good rains and cold weather throughout the winter period. The spring and early summer were some of the
coolest in years, which is very positive for flavour development on the white wines and colour and structure on the reds. Despite a heat wave in late January, vineyards looked good and ripened properly and slowly.
WINEMAKING
Fermentation took place in open top wooden fermenters. Natural yeast on the grapes was allowed to start and complete the fermentation process. The cap was punched down by hand a maximum of two times per day. Grapes spent 30 days on the skins. A delicate pressing followed and all press juice was returned to the wine. It was aged in 50% new French barrels and 50% older French barrels for 22 months, after which it spent another 2 months in the tank before bottling.
TASTING NOTES
Dense, dark berries with hints of dried herbs. Juicy fruit on the palate is underlined by a fine tannin structure on the finish.
ANALYSIS
Alc.: 13.5%
RS: 3.10g/l
TA: 5.2g/l
PH: 3.98
VA: 0.92
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