Founded in 1928 and operating from the scenic Simonsberg slopes of Stellenbosch, Delheim Wine Estate is a long-established, family-run property. For the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, the team selected parcels on well-drained granite soils, hand-harvested the grapes, and fermented with careful attention to detail, capturing the hallmark freshness of the estate. The grapes were picked from mature Cabernet Sauvignon vines, fermented in upright stainless-steel tanks at controlled temperatures (25-28°C) with multiple pump-overs and rack-and-returns during the 18-day maceration period. The wine was matured for 14 months in 300L French oak barrels, of which 45 % were new. The finished wine was bottled without fining and retains the purity of its fruit.
In the glass this Cabernet presents a deep garnet-ruby hue. On the nose: cassis, black plum, cedar wood and lead-pencil shavings lead into subtle hints of tobacco, cigar box and a herbaceous undercurrent. The palate is richly-structured yet elegant, with ripe dark berries, smooth graphite, and fine, silky tannins. Oak is integrated, contributing cedar and spice rather than dominance, while the finish lingers with blackcurrant, tobacco-leaf and a mineral lift.
This wine pairs beautifully with grilled rib-eye steak, venison, rich tomato-based stews or matured hard cheeses. With its structure and elegance, it also has potential to evolve gracefully in the cellar for another 5–8 years.