Simonsig Labyrinth Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

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.

The winter of 2013 was wet and cold. The cooler conditions extended to the early part of summer, but December was the hottest in 47 years of recorded history in Stellenbosch. The dry conditions of the summer changed on 9 and 10 February when we had a downpour of 44mm. On Friday 8 March 2013 there were more showers, but the conditions dried rather quickly due to high temperatures and a howling south Easter. Our initial fears of some dilution in the late season reds soon disappeared when the reds completed fermentation. The 2013 vintage delivered wines with beautiful dark colours, soft and mature tannins with delicious ripe concentrated flavours.

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