Description
VINIFICATION
Cabernet Sauvignon from the Estate was hand-picked, crushed and de-stemmed to open fermenters on 9 March 2021. The indigenous ferment produced a strong cap within 24 hours and the ferment was gently plunged for a period of 7 days before it was pressed off skins. The indigenous ferment was co-inoculated with malolactic bacteria once the ferment cap was formed, and both ferments were completed to dryness within 12 days. The wine was pressed off into a combination of new (44%) and seasoned French oak and matured for a period of 20 months. Malbec, which was also Estate grown and matured in French oak, was blended into the wine during a rack and return 13 months into barrel maturation in August 2022. The wine was bottled on 28 November 2022.
TASTING NOTES
The 2021 Viribus Cabernet Sauvignon represents a slight departure from its 2020 predecessor. With the addition of Malbec, this elegant new vintage displays a noticeably ‘fine’ power and intensity. Lean, unencumbered, and very precise, it, in many ways, whispers homage to the cabernets of northern Italy. Opening with hints of tangled blackberry briar, delicate blackcurrant, sage, and a note of pencil shavings, the Viribus then eases into a palate resplendent with red currants, dried cranberries, wild bramble and blueberries. Glimpses of oregano, cedar box and river stone round out this beautiful, graceful wine.
Food Pairing: Ribeye on the bone (cooked over flame), Gorgonzola sauce and charred broccolini.
Cellaring Potential: Now – 8 years.
COMPOSITION
Alcohol: 13.5%
pH: 3.57
Total Acidity: 6.0 g/L
Composition: Cabernet Sauvignon 91%, Malbec 9%
