Knorhoek Cabernet Sauvignon is a powerful red wine from Simonsberg-Stellenbosch, made from Cabernet Sauvignon clone 46. The grapes grow high on the slopes above the estate, where Atlantic influences, slow ripening, and less direct sun exposure ensure balance, concentration, and refinement. The result is a deep, classic Cabernet with blackcurrant, wild blackberries, blueberries, cedarwood, vanilla, grilled bell pepper, and velvety tannins.
This Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Simonsberg-Stellenbosch, one of the most renowned origins for South African Cabernet.
Location / Origin: Knorhoek is located at the foot of the Simonsberg in Stellenbosch. The vineyards benefit from altitude, slope exposure, and cooling Atlantic influences.
Vineyard: The grapes are sourced from Cabernet Sauvignon clone 46, planted high in the mountains above the estate. Due to the slower ripening, the grapes develop plenty of flavor, color, and tannin maturity.
Climate & Influences: The combination of sun, mountain location, and cooler air currents ensures ripe black fruit, as well as freshness and tension in the wine.
Exposure: The vineyard is less directly oriented towards the sun. This slows down ripening and helps give Cabernet Sauvignon its classic balance between fruit, structure, and spice.
Vinification is focused on deep color, powerful structure, and ripe, refined tannins.
Fermentation: The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks, French oak, and open concrete vats. This combination provides both fruit purity and added depth and texture.
Extraction: During fermentation, the cap of the must is submerged 5 times a day. In the final phase, pumping over is used to further build color, tannin, and aroma in a controlled manner.
Maceration: After fermentation, the skins remain in contact with the wine for another 21 days. This provides extra structure, concentration, and length.
Maturation / Oak aging: The wine matures in oak barrels, half of which are new. This adds notes of cedarwood, vanilla, and extra complexity alongside the ripe black fruit.
Alcohol percentage: With 14% alcohol, this Cabernet Sauvignon has power and body, while the slow ripening ensures balance and succulence.
This wine is made from Cabernet Sauvignon from Simonsberg-Stellenbosch.
Cabernet Sauvignon – Simonsberg-Stellenbosch: Cabernet Sauvignon gives this wine its blackcurrant, wild blackberry, blueberry, firm structure, and recognizable notes of cedar, vanilla, and grilled green bell pepper. Due to the ripe tannins, the wine feels powerful yet velvety.
