The Tops@Lifestyle Wine of the Week

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TOKARA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020
ORIGIN
All the grapes originated from Tokara’s vineyards in Stellenbosch.
CROPPING AND HARVESTING
The vineyards yielded between 3 and 12 t/ha. The grapes were handpicked at optimal
ripeness at sugars between 24 and 26 brix and acidities between 5.1 & 6.8 g/l.
WINEMAKING
Hand-picked grapes grapes were destemmed before passing across a sorting table for the
removal of all unwanted material and then crushed directly into stainless steel tanks and
wooden upright (foudre) fermenters. The must was cooled to between 10 and 15°C for a
cold soak before fermentation started naturally.
Pump-overs, dellastage and punching down of the cap were implemented twice a day
for extraction until the fermentation completed. The tanks were given maceration post
fermentation depending on tannin extraction and development.
The wines were put to barrel for malolactic fermentation after which they were racked,
sulphured and put back to barrel for a further maturation. The wines spent a total of
nineteen months in 21% new French oak and the rest being older French oak barriques
– all 225L format.
During the maturation the components were racked twice where-after the wine was
blended in tank and returned to barrel to homogenise and mature further.
The wines received a light fining before filtration and bottling in late October 2020.
131 724 bottles were produced.
TASTING NOTES
This wine has a beautiful bright claret colour.
There are aromas of brambleberry coulis, subtle cassis and blackberry on the nose
complimented by underlying notes of five spice and the slightest hint of vanilla.
The palate is packed with delicious dark fruit interwoven in spice and light toasty notes
from the barrels. A tannin profile reminiscent of silky dark chocolate with poised freshness
round off the finish.
This wine will drink well now but will benefit from cellaring.
Food pairing: Enjoy with lightly smoked Springbok carpaccio, grilled veal chops, meaty
stews or a fantastic steak.
7 Jul 2023 5AM English South Africa Leisure · Society & Culture

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