Tokara Reserve Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Vineyards
This wine is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot. The grapes originated from TOKARA’s premium vineyards on the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain just outside of Stellenbosch.
Winemaking and Maturation
The grapes were gently de-stemmed, before passing across a sorting table for the removal of all unwanted leaves or stalks and then crushed directly into tanks for fermentation using only gravity. There is a period of cold maceration for up to 5 days before the fermentation starts spontaneously (using the natural yeast strains present on the grapes). The grapes were fermented in stainless steel and wooden upright (foudre) fermenters. Pump-overs, dellastage and punching down of the cap were implemented twice a day for extraction until the fermentation completed. The tanks were given maceration post fermentation. The wines spent a total of twenty-two months in 48% new French oak – the rest being second and third fill French oak barriques. During maturation the wines received four racking’s, all done barrel to barrel. The wine was bottled in January 2021 with no fining and a light filtration. 15 894 bottles were produced.
Tasting Notes
This wine displays a deep maroon colour with a vibrant edge. The nose leads with classic This wine displays a deep maroon colour with a vibrant ruby edge. The nose leads with classic graphitic notes, dark brambleberry interwoven with aromas of five spice. There is a freshness underscoring these aromas with hints of dark blueberry, red currant and fynbos scrub – a classic expression of Simonsberg Cabernet. The palate is well poised and showcases an effortless balance between fruit purity and tannin weight. Flavours mirror aromas and all lead to a multi-textured, persistent finish.
Technical Details
Alc. Vol % 14.0%
Residual Sugar 1.9g/L
Total Acidity 5.7g/L
pH 3.60
