With over two decades worth of experience in producing this Estate wine, the Waterford Estate

Cabernet Sauvignon is always increasing in quality and becoming more consistent in

expressing the terroir of the Helderberg Mountains.

The 2018 vintage shows pure fruit and earthy notes complimented by classical pencil lead-like

aromas and a typical dry tannin structure with a seamless balance to the finish. The vintage can

be considered classical in style, with a tight tannin structure and fresh acidity. Being a drought

vintage the stress on the vines was sure to create more concentrated grapes, packed with

flavour and quality.

Being based on the foothills of the Helderberg Mountain it is hard to come by a more perfect

location to grow Cabernet Sauvignon, with the vineyard being situated on the north-facing slope

of the mountain, the sun warms the vineyard throughout the entire day resulting in great

ripeness in the grapes. The upper layer of soil is composed primarily of decomposed sandstone

and granite, which brings about great structure in the wines. The lower layers consist of fine red

clay which traps moisture and produces more vibrant fruit characteristics.

With the winter having lower levels of rainfall we knew that the vineyard was going to be

stressed during the springtime but what followed was near-perfect growing conditions for

flowering and fruit set. Harvest time was characterised by moderate temperatures and a distinct

lack of heat waves which was ideal for berry ripening.

The vineyards remained very healthy and produced the perfect bunches - smaller berries than

what was expected but it gave great concentration.

Crafting a Cabernet Sauvignon is a patient task, one where taking your time is rewarded with

excellent results. The Waterford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a patient wine, a wine that is not

worked too hard in the cellar, with a gentle extraction and a relaxing maturation to guide the

wine in developing an authentic expression of the terroir.

The wine is vinified in French oak barrels with only 36% of the wine going through a more

rigorous oaking regime in new barrels, the rest of the vintage is split between second, third and

fourth fill barrels. This split between new and old barrels is done to achieve great structure in the

wine while still allowing the wine to show vibrant fruit.

Cabernet Sauvignon is the most suited varietal to Waterford Estate soils, making up 35% of the

total plantings.

Tim Atkin Special Report 2022 - 94 Points

This vintage is one to look out for! Don't miss out on your opportunity to taste one of the best

Cabernet Sauvignons in South Africa. Visit waterfordestate.co.za to learn more.