Beyerskloof Eerste Ry Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Grapes were picked at optimum ripeness. Made in open fermenters, on the skins for 5-8 days at an average temp. of 25°C. Punching of the cap was done every 2 hours to extract good colour and flavours from the grapes. After malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine aged in 100% new French oak for 24 months. After bottling, the wine is stored for 2 years before being released for sale.

It is the third year running where we had a cool dry winter which meant not enough rain. We had less than 40% of our normal rainfall, leading up to the harvest, and the year before that, we had 50% less. So, the big drought issues continue. We also had uneven budding during the start of growth and uneven ripening of grapes close to harvest, so sorting of the berries was a must. Also, on the positive side there were fewer diseases/pests and less growth vigour in the vineyards due to the dry weather. With all the negatives, we expected the worst and was actually pleasantly surprised with the yields and quality of the grapes. The start of harvest was more normal for us compared to the previous 3 vintages, and that was in early February. This continued until mid-March when we finished with Cabernet Sauvignon. In general, the grapes were healthy, the berries were very small and concentrated, and our yield was the same as last year, 550 tons in total. But we are still 20% down on our long-term average yield. The quality of the wines so far looks extremely good, with rich dark colours and brilliant fruit on all the red cultivars. This might actually be the best even year vintage in 20 years!

This wine will develop well for 10 years or longer.

100% Cabernet Sauvignon

This wine pairs well with any red meat dish and hearty vegetables.

One of South Africa’s top red wine cellars, the Stellenbosch producer is unrivalled as a Pinotage specialist. With 150 hectare of vineyards based in the premium wine district of Stellenbosch, Beyerskloof ensures the growth of their quality-driven, oak matured, hand-pressed premium range of wines. It was 30 years back that the brand which has become synonymous with Pinotage was ‘born’ when the first vineyard was planted at the small home farm off the Koelenhof road, bought in 1988. Following the 1997 acquisition of 100 hectares in the Bottelary Winelands of Stellenbosch, the landholding increased again in 2018 with the purchase of a 50 hectares spread of vineyards known as Kriekbult between the winery and the Simonsberg as viewed from the deck of the bistro at Beyerskloof. Marvelling at growth and development during the 30 years since Beyers thrust his hands into the soil and planted the first vines on home soil, it’s exciting to contemplate what the next 30 years might hold as Anri and the Beyerskloof family push the envelope viticulturally and in the cellar. Might there even be one more expression of Pinotage in the making?