Grangehurst Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot 2008 is produced from a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Merlot. Grapes were selected from prime vineyard areas in Stellenbosch on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain and the Simonsberg.  After destalking and crushing the grapes, the mash was fermented in open tanks for between 8 and 14 days on the skins. The cap of skins was punched down and mixed with the juice 4 to 6 times per day to ensure optimal extraction of colour, tannin and flavours. After completion of the alcoholic fermentation, the free-run wine was drawn off and the skins were gently pressed in a basket press. The press wine was blended with the free-run wine in stainless steel tanks before being transferred to small oak barrels. The malolactic fermentation occurred in tanks and barrels. This wine was clarified according to the natural settling and racking method, which does not involve the use of any unnatural fining agents, centrifuges or filters. This method of clarifying wine prevents it from being stripped of flavours. The various component wines were matured separately in 225-litre French oak barrels for 28 months prior to blending. Bottled at Grangehurst using a gentle gravity flow filling system. The wine flowed from the elevated bottling tanks through a cartridge filter to the hand filler and into the bottles. This was the only stage during the entire winemaking process that the wine was filtered. Residual sugar: 2.6 g/l. Bottled at 14%. (Bottle size 750ml)

Nose: Aromas of blackcurrant, dark cherry, and plum are interwoven with layers of tobacco, cedar, and a touch of smoky oak. Subtle hints of dried herbs and earthy undertones add depth.

Palate: The wine is medium- to full-bodied with a harmonious balance of ripe black fruit, including cassis and blackberries, complemented by savoury notes of leather and spice. Fine-grained tannins provide structure and elegance, while the oak aging contributes nuances of vanilla and mocha.

Finish: Long and refined, with lingering dark fruit flavours, subtle earthy notes, and a touch of tobacco. The tannins are velvety, and the acidity ensures a fresh and well-rounded finish.

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