Made from selected parcels of Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards planted on north-west facing slopes of the Helderberg mountain and a south-east facing slope of Vlottenburg. These pockets of excellent Cabernet Sauvignon grow on a combination of deep decomposed granite soils with Table Mountain sandstone and “koffieklip”. The mild maritime influence from the cool False Bay coast and granitic soils are evident in this wine’s hallmark minerality and classic, graphite-like profile. The winter of 2021 proved ideal due to high rainfall, which helped replenish water reserves for the growing season. This was particularly beneficial for our dryland Cabernet Sauvignon sites. While the season saw  vigorous canopy growth, the wind during flowering resulted in lower yields compared to previous years. In January, heat waves with temperatures exceeding 35°C contributed to a generally small crop and smaller berry size. Despite these challenges, the 2022 vintage Cabernet Sauvignon displayed excellent analysis, leading to a healthy fermentation. 

Tasting Notes: The nose is opulent, rich and enticing with intense aromas of fresh plums, black cherries and hints of chalk and churned soil. Whiffs of both herbaceousness and savoury spiciness contribute to its complexity. Flavours of blackcurrant, blueberries and boysenberry dominate a focused, brooding palate. The wine has soft, velvety, cocoa-powdery tannins with balanced, integrated acidity and the supporting, judicious role of tight-grained French barrique adds to the classic character of this Cabernet Sauvignon with its earthy core and full, ripe, dark mid-palate. The wine has a plummy, juicy finish with hints of rosemary and lingering Cape fynbos.

Gottfried Mocke's Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon has more grip, muscle and minerality than the Franschhoek bottling, and comes from a Lower Helderberg site close to the Polkadraai Hills. Inky and well-structured, it has layers of blueberry and blackberry, a waft of graphite and dried herbs and deftly integrated 60% new oak. 2026-35. Tim Atkin 95

ANALYSIS: ALC 14.5% | TA 5.47g/L | pH 3.74 | RS 2.52g/L