Spier 21 Gables Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

The key to an excellent red wine is attention to detail. Once the grapes were handpicked and destemmed in the cellar, they were individually sorted to ensure only the best coloured and sized fruit were selected. Fermentation occurred in stainless-steel fermenters for 24 days with an extended skin maceration of 15 days. The free-run wine was then barrelled down into 70% new French oak barrels for 26 months. Barrel selection was done to make the perfect blend of the original single vineyard site.

The Cabernet Sauvignon vines are grown along the west north-westerly-facing slope of the majestic Helderberg - the southern side of Stellenbosch. Besides an expansive view of the False Bay coast, the vineyard is treated to a cooling Atlantic ocean breeze, encouraging slow ripening. While conditions can be windy at altitude, the decomposed granitic soil features clay in the subsoil, which aids in moisture retention and promotes even ripening. This results in small berries concentrated in flavour and tannin.

This wine drinks well now but the flavours and bouquet will develop beautifully over the next five to ten years if stored in the correct conditions.

Cabernet Sauvignon

This wine is a must with meat. Serve with chargrilled sirloin or rib-eye steak and parmesan truffle fries or as a welcome accompaniment to a hearty roast vegetable cassoulet.

Platter's Wine Guide 2022 - 4.5 Stars (94)
Tim Atkin 2021 Report - 91 Points
Decanter World Wine Awards 2021
GoldMundus Vini 2021 - 87 Points

Spier is one of the oldest wine farms in South Africa with a recorded history dating back to 1692. While rooted in this heritage, Spier has a vibrant and conscious energy, home to one of the largest collections of contemporary South African art. Spier’s wines are among the most awarded in the South Africa. Visitors to the Stellenbosch-based farm can enjoy these paired with wholesome delicious food – made with ingredients sourced either from the farm or trusted, nearby farmers. The Spier Hotel and meeting facilities offer inspiring winelands getaways in the tranquility of nature.