Ruby Cabernet is a single variety developed in California from a cross of Cabernet Sauvignon with Carignan. Deep in colour, medium-bodied and rich in flavour with very soft tannins which makes the wine approachable within just a couple of months after the vintage.
Complements beef roast, chicken roast, stews, lamb, venison, pasta and steak. Serving temperature: 12º - 14ºC.
variety : Ruby Cabernet [ 100% Ruby Cabernet ]
winemaker : Lolly Louwrens
wine of origin : Breede River
analysis : alc : 12.82 % vol rs : 3.8 g/l pH : 3.48 ta : 5.98 g/l
type : Red style : Dry body : Medium
pack : Bottle closure : Cork
in the vineyard : The fruit was sourced from 35 specially selected grape growing families in the Robertson Valley. Vines are grown in deep cool alluvial soil that is rich in lime and receives an annual rainfall of only 280 mm per year.
Vintage
Incredible healthy grapes of excellent quality to produce outstanding wines - this is how the 2006 vintage will be remembered. As in 2005, the season started with very little winter rainfall in Robertson, but this time around, enough rain fell in the Brandvleidam catchment area to ensure sufficient water supply.
Early and even budbreak occurred and due to lots of wind and a cooler growing season only moderate vineyard vigour was achieved. The prevailing strong wind induced stress on the grapevines which had a positive effect on wine quality, as it led to smaller, looser bunches with fewer, smaller and more concentrated berries. The 2006 crop was a little bigger than in 2005, but is till smaller than an average crop. This is mainly due to the smaller, looser bunches with smaller berries.
Optimum ripeness was reached at lower sugar levles due to the cooler ripening period. Especially the night temperatures were lower than normal. This, coupled with the smaller berries, ensured excellent red wine quality.
2006 will be a vintage to be remembered.