Durbanville Wine Valley unveils a historic Cabernet Sauvignon Collab!
Exciting news from our beautiful Durbanville Wine Valley!
A collaboration by leading Cape wineries has followed the footsteps of a South African icon, producing a Cabernet Sauvignon from an exceptional vineyard that no longer exists. Its grapes hail from the same region that produced the internationally celebrated 1966 GS Cabernet Sauvignon.
While the GS and newly unveiled The Master’s Vineyards are unrelated in many ways, both highlight the caliber of the terroir of the Durbanville Wine Valley (DWV) – where wine has been made since the end of the 17th century. The 1966 GS Cabernet Sauvignon was described by Wine Spectator magazine as “the one true classic wine ever produced in South Africa”. In 2015, UK authority Jancis Robinson awarded it a perfect score of 20/20.
A year later, Durbanville Hills and Diemersdal teamed up to make a tribute wine, with the support of the region and industry suppliers. The result is a wine that matured for 24 months in French oak barrels and was bottled in 2018. In the similar Claret-style as used in 1966.
“The realization of this wine is an exceptional milestone for us as a wine region.” Says DWV manager Natasha de Villiers. “In spite of the extreme challenges the wine industry has had to endure, perseverance has won the day and spectacularly so.”
UK Master of Wine Tim Atkin reviewed the Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2016 vintage. He described it as “a superb wine, with cassis and tobacco notes, subtle oak and pithy, refreshing acidity”. He adds: “Only 1 200 bottles, alas.”
Fruit for the 2016 Durbanville Wine Valley The Master’s Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, was harvested in two batches from Morgenster Farm. Its south-facing slopes and Red Hutton soils are ideal for quality wine production. But, tough economics resulted in the uprooting of vines and a change of crop.
Nonetheless, the rarity and significance of the wine was embraced by the valley and led to a determined collaboration. The task of making the wine was shared by Diemersdal and Durbanville Hills. Each world-renowned for quality, skill, and leadership. Label printing was sponsored by Ram Labels; corks, by Amorim; bottles, by Diemersdal; and, custom wood-cases by Connoisseur Mouldings. A true collaboration!
The Master’s Vineyards name, signifies the mission that unifies the region’s wineries in honoring the work of Durbanville’s winemaking giants, Natasha explains.
The Durbanville Wine Valley
To its benefit, Durbanville’s cool climate provides its vineyards with a long ripening period. This allows for a pace of fruit development necessary to produce outstanding quality wines. This is revealed particularly in Durbanville’s reputation for champion Sauvignon Blancs.
The Durbanville Wine Valley lies some 20 minutes from the Cape Town CBD. It is home to some of South Africa’s most well-known wineries. They include Hillcrest, Altydgedacht, Bloemendal, Canto, D’Aria, Diemersdal, De Grendel, Durbanville Hills, Klein Roosboom, Loch Lynne, Maastricht, Meerendal, Nitida, Groot Phesantekraal and Signal Gun.
The Durbanville Wine Valley is equally well-known as a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Offering the broadest range of wine-and-dine experiences; outdoor activities. Catering to diverse needs, from those of families to solo adventurers. In addition, it offers all this year-round – irrespective of the season.
The 2016 Durbanville Wine Valley The Master’s Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is sold in a three-bottle case, at a price of R950/case.
The wine is available from selected wineries of the Durbanville Wine Valley and online at www.winefly.co.za.
For more information about Durbanville Wine Valley, visit www.durbanvillewine.co.za or send an email to info@durbanvillewine.co.za.