In homage to the finest Bordeaux winemaking traditions, Sharpeville is a Cabernet Sauvignon patiently aged for a stunning 60 months in new French oak.
A once-off offering from grapes hand-picked and hand-selected from a single bloc of ocean-facing vines in the Helderberg Mountains of Stellenbosch, Sharpeville delivers the quintessential expression of this classic cultivar in South Africa.
Sharpeville celebrates the brave souls who gave their lives to protest the Pass Laws and accelerate the end of Apartheid. The virility and restrained power of this wine is conveyed through the emotions expressed by the label which features an original painting of a young South African man by renown South African artist Velaphi Mzimba drawn from the winemaker’s private art collection.
A once-off private release of 3 barrels only. Each bottle is individually numbered in sequential order.
World Wine Championships
Gilbert & Gaillard International Competition
Berlin Wine Trophy
International Wine Guide Awards
Catavinum World Wine & Spirit Competition
Asia Wine Trophy
WINEMAKER’S NOTES
Vintage: 2012
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Winemaker: David John Bate
Production: 3 barrel once-off offering
Bottle Size: 750 ml Claret
Yield (t/ha): 3.1 t/ha
°Balling/Harvest: Average 24 û
Alcohol (%/vol): 14%
Residual Sugar: 2.0 g/l
TA: 5.6 g/l
VA: 0.70 g/l
FSO2: 24 mg/l
pH: 3.59
Maturation: 60 months (5 years) barrel maturation with MLF (le malo) en barrique in new French oak (Nevers) barrels of medium toast
UPC: 6009812400149
SCC: 06009812400156
TASTING NOTES
Appearance
Hues of regal red and majestic magenta intermingle with glimpses of weather-worn brick at rim’s edge. A brilliant lustre and luminosity arouse immediate interest.
Nose
Finessed floral fragrances with hints of berries and dark fruit flavours foreshadow the depth and character of this complex and compelling wine.
Taste
Forest fragrances unveil a smooth, sensuous body that slowly undresses layers of black berries, black currants and dark cherries. Subtle strokes of black spices, liquorice and truffles climax with whispers of cassis, vanilla and melted dark chocolate in a long, gratifying finish sure to seduce your senses. A stallion of a wine.