Martin Melck Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

VINEYARD The Muratie Cabernet Sauvignon was made from three different blocks on the estate. The vines were planted in 1981, 1993 and 1998. All the vineyards are North West facing and at an elevation of 260m above sea level. The root stocks are Richter 101 and 114. VINIFICATION The grapes were handpicked yielding 6 tons per hectare. They were then crushed, destalked and pumped into a combination of stainless steel and open fermenters. A controlled fermentation was ensured and regular pump-overs and punch-downs were done. Matured in 60% new French Oak for 20 months. The fruit, tannin structure and fine acidity indicate a wine of balance and finesse reflective of the Simonsberg terroir. WINEMAKER’S COMMENTS Anna Catherina’s second name means ‘purity’, a virtue Melck valued, and one that this Simonsberg Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon seeks to express with its concentrated dark fruit (black cherries, berries and plums) underscored by fresh acidity and framed by cedar wood and spice from 20 months in French oak (30% new). Sourced from three different blocks on the estate, it’s opulent yet polished, a wine of integration, balance and great length, true to its terroir just as Melck stayed true to his beliefs.

The Muratie Cabernet Sauvignon was made from three different blocks on the estate. The vines were planted in 1993 and 1998. All the vineyards are North West facing and at an elevation of 260 m above sea level. The root stocks are Richter 101 and 114.

The grapes were handpicked and sorted before destemming and cooled down to 10°C and cold soaked 1-2 days for good colour extraction. Different strains of yeasts were used for inoculation for diverse flavours.

After fermentation the wine is racked and skins are pressed to concrete tanks, where it undergoes spontaneous MLF before being removed from lees and matured in 10% new French oak barrels for 18 months. The fruit, tannin and fine acidity indicate a wine of balance and finesse reflective of the Simonsberg terroir.