Description
VINIFICATION
Cabernet Sauvignon from the Home Estate was hand-picked, crushed and de-stemmed to open fermenters on the 5th of April 2022. The indigenous ferment produced a strong cap within 24 hours and the ferment was gently plunged for a period of 12 days. The indigenous ferment was co-inoculated with malolactic bacteria once the ferment cap was formed, and both ferments were completed post-pressing. The wine was pressed off into a combination of new (44%) and seasoned French oak barrels and matured for a period of 19 months. Petit Verdot, which was also Estate grown and matured in French oak, was blended into the wine before filtering and bottling on the 27th of October 2023.
TASTING NOTES
Opening with hints of coca nib, baking spices, and a soft waft of cedar smoke, this Reserve Cabernet then gently descends into a palate swirling with blackcurrants, wild raspberries, and blackberries – all neatly underpinned by delicate notes of fresh oregano leaf, sage, and graphite. As with the previous 2021 vintage, this 2022 Viribus exhibits a wonderful acid backbone. Glimpses of wet river stone round out this beautiful and graceful wine.
Food Pairing: Ribeye on the bone (cooked over flame), Gorgonzola sauce and charred broccolini.
Cellaring Potential: May 2024 – 15 years.
COMPOSITION
Alcohol: 13.5%
pH: 3.50
Total Acidity: 6.1 g/L
Composition: Cabernet Sauvignon 91%, Petit Verdot 9%
