2017 Lievland Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Coastal Region

2017 Lievland Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Coastal Region

2017 Lievland Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Coastal Region A combination of high-altitude cooler Stellenbosch vineyards and dryland warm climate Paarl vines resulting in a balanced wine with complexity and abundance of fruit.

The Stellenbosch fruit adds structure and elegance to the wine while the grapes from Paarl add riper dark fruit and richness. Hints of pencil shavings, blueberries and prunes are all evident on the nose, while the palate boasts of dark fruit with juicy tannins and an elegant finish. Aiming to craft a more traditional style of Cabernet, a small percentage of Cinsault was added contributing vibrant fruit expression and balance to this well-rounded and classic Cabernet Sauvignon.

Lievland

Lievland, directly translated, means “love land” and there are few who come to this farm that aren’t charmed by its bucolic beauty. Twenty years ago, Lievland was considered one of South Africa’s top estates. Jose Condé and Tyrrel Myburgh, partners in MAN Family Wines, purchased the farm in late 2017 with the goal of resurrecting it to its former glory.

Cabernet Sauvignon  

Cabernet Sauvignon is the world’s foremost red wine-grape variety. Though widely cultivated throughout the world, it is most commonly associated with the red wines of Bordeaux.

In the vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are small, thick-skinned and decidedly blue-colored, with a high pip-to-pulp ratio. Its thick skin results in wines of profoundly deep color, and the pips add a high level of tannin.

It ripens late, which is advantageous in warmer climates like Bordeaux, France and California. In colder growing environments, Cabernet Sauvignon can easily fail to ripen properly. Unripe Cabernet Sauvignon shows a lot of the aromas similar to unripe Cabernet Franc, notably a green or herbaceous character. This may not be entirely surprising, as Cabernet Sauvignon’s parents are Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc.

Cabernet Sauvignon’s flavors can vary from region to another. Cabernet Sauvignon produced in Bordeaux’s Margaux appellation varies considerably from one grown farther north in Pauillac, for example. The best Cabernet Sauvignon wines tend to have deep color, good structure and a full body. They are tannic in youth, especially when aged in oak, and often require a few years to soften before they become enjoyable to drink. Typical flavors may include black fruits like blackcurrant or blackberry, as well as fragrant cigar box, tobacco and coffee.