Simonsig Labyrinth Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

The wine has a dense opaque colour. High notes of black berries and black cherries express the seductive notes of cedar, pencil shavings and traces of fynbos. The youthful yet tame tannins create a dry finish filled with black berry fruit pockets.

Rare Roast Beef, Leg of Lamb, grilled veal, braised ribs, flavourful and hearty pastas.

variety : Cabernet Sauvignon [ 100% Cabernet Sauvignon ]
winemaker : Johan Malan
wine of origin : Stellenbosch
analysis : alc : 14.29 % vol  rs : 2.51 g/l  pH : 3.2  ta : 6.55 g/l  
type : Red  style : Dry  body : Full   wooded
pack : Bottle  size : 750ml  closure : Cork  

AWARDS

2010
2011 Platter’s Guide: 3½ stars 
2009 
Robert Parker Rating: 89 points
2008
2013 Veritas Wine Awards - Bronze
2012 John Platter Wine Guide: 3 stars
2007
2011 Veritas: Silver Medal
2011 Platter's Guide: 3½ stars
2006
2009 Veritas: Silver Medal
2005
2009 Platter's Guide: 3½ stars
2004
Swiss International Air Lines Wine Awards 2008: Bronze Medal
Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2008: Gold Medal
2003
Veritas 2007: Silver
2002
Veritas 2006: Gold
2001
Veritas 2011: Silver Medal – Museum Class
2000
2003: SAA Business Class
1.5L: Veritas 2007: Bronze Medal
1998
Wine Enthusiast: Special Annual Awards Issue listed as one of the Top 100 Wines of the Year -93 points
1996
Veritas 1998: Gold
SAA Winelist 1999: International Long Haul
1992
Veritas 1996: Double Gold
1990
Veritas 1994: Double Gold

ageing : Soft and perfectly drinkable now but should benefit from further ageing over the next 6 to 8 years.

History
Simonsig has been producing Cabernet Sauvignon since 1976 and achieved early success when the 1977 vintage won the General Smuts trophy after being judged as the Champion Wine of South Africa. Simonsig replanted and expanded its planting of Cabernet Sauvignon over the last decade and it now has mature vineyards planted with the best clones available in South Africa. These shy bearing vineyards are planted on deep red weathered granite and shale soils with high moisture holding capacity. This minimises the need for irrigation and gives great concentration of flavour. Our terroir in Stellenbosch has proved over many years to be one of the best areas in South Africa to grow the finest quality red wines.

in the vineyard : 2012 Vintage will be remembered as a very dry year. The rainfall of 469mm logged was the lowest since 1976 and 33% below our long-term average. While yields were slightly lower than in 2011, cooler conditions resulted in better quality and more concentrated fruit from smaller berries. January and early February had their customary hot day in the mid-thirties, but the rest of the vintage was quite cool with ideal slow and even paced ripening. The Cabernet Sauvignon ripened slowly. Whilst everyone was anxious to get started the grapes didn’t want to be rushed. The first Cabernet Sauvignon was picked on the 29th of March. The increase in sugar levels was slow and this allowed for longer hang time, enable the tannins to mature.

in the cellar : 21 Months oaking. 74% French Oak 26% American Oak. New Wood 1%, 2nd fill 61%, 3rd fill 1%, 37% Fourth Fill.

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