Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch

Location: R44, Stellenbosch

Cellarmaster: Johan Joubert

Background: Kleine Zalze has been producing wine since 1695 but since Kobus Basson purchased the farm in 1996 there have been significant improvements. The cellar was modernised and the vineyards replanted with new clones. Each vineyard block is vinified independently to give the winemaking team the ingredients to create wines that are typical of the area. They also ensure the vineyards are assessed and managed individually during the growth period prior to picking. Quality before quantity is foremost so extensive yield reduction is done to produce their excellent fruit driven wines.

This week Johan invited us to a vertical tasting of the Family Reserve Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon wines with Michael Broughton’s food at Terrior. Johan’s knowledge of his vineyards and vines is inspiring and this can be seen in the quality of the line-up we tasted. The wine that showed beautifully on the day – both on its own and with the food – was the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes for this wine were handpicked from a single vineyard on the farm and once fermentation was done the wine was given the opportunity to develop its complexity in 100 percent French oak for 24 months.

Result: The wine offers aromas of black cherries and cassis which follows through to the palate.  The wine continues to delight the senses with its juicy mid palate flavours of dark fruits and well integrated tannins.

When to drink: Now until 2020

Drink with what: Grilled Angus beef fillet

Expect to pay: R245.00

To order this wine, email Wine Concepts