Eikendal winemaker Nico Grobler.
Swiss owned Stellenbosch wine estate, Eikendal, nestled in the heart of ‘Cab country’ on the slopes of the Helderberg, strikes a poised pose with its latest 2013 vintage Cabernet Sauvignon, which features a streamlined, more austere and subtler character than its predecessor.
“Cool growing conditions in 2013 allowed for tightly structured wines and our latest Cab is nervous in a good way, with great length. It lingers with vibrant red fruit as opposed to the rich, ripe black fruit which dominated our multi-crowned 2012 vintage. Even though the taste profile is more reserved than its forerunner, expectations are just as high for our latest impression,” shares winemaker Nico Grobler.
Made in an elegantly restrained style, the Eikendal Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 epitomises the estate’s goal in classical refinement and quest for varietal excellence and showcases precision in the fruits, outlined by a tight acidity and supported by fine grained tannins.
“This wine slams the caricature of bigger is better. For some years there was a general move towards greater ripeness, but I think the pendulum is swinging back to more elegant wines that are complementary and balanced. I don’t go after ponderous extravagance or jammy fruit bombs, I want balance, restraint and elegance,” adds Nico.
According to him the 2013 vintage is a fine example of Stellenbosch’s forte ‘in delicate balance’, as well as Eikendal’s close connection with its terroir. In addition to its ‘great dirt in a great place’, the estate enjoys a favourable climate, with the proximity of False Bay (8kms) and the Helderberg Mountain lending a desired cooling effect which is perfect for berry, colour and structure development.
“We get enough light intensity to develop a desired taste profile with reduced green characters, but due to our proximity to the coast and the mountain we are exposed to wind and sea breezes, especially at night time which impart intense flavour, colour and complexity to the wine,” explains Nico.
The naturally fermented Eikendal Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, which spent 16 months in custom-made French oak barrels before the different clones and blocks were blended and bottled, is recognised for its elegance, balance, finesse and ability to improve over time.
The nose reveals upfront red berries and cherries backed by floral and herbal nuances which unfold on the palate harmoniously. The overall balance of the palate is taut rather than fleshy, leaving a clean, fresh impression through the long finish.
Bring on the red meat, as the Eikendal Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 is perfect for your Sunday roast, well-aged prime eye steak or slow cooked leg of lamb. It also complements spicy Mediterranean dishes well. Recipe ideas include a warm lamb salad with a mint, pea and feta cheese dressing, sticky barbecued ribs, beef stir-fry with fresh and pickled ginger or roasted vegetable tarts.
The wine retails from R185 per bottle and is available directly from the Eikendal cellar or at selected fine wine outlets and restaurants countrywide. For more information or wine orders contact Eikendal at Tel: +(0)21 855 1422 or email info@eikendal.co.za.
