Springfield Méthode Ancienne Cabernet Sauvignon 1997

By , 8 October 2018

Comment

2

Springfield Méthode Ancienne Cabernet Sauvignon 1997

Magisterial.

The current-release Méthode Ancienne Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 from Robertson property Springfield is extraordinary. Grapes from a vineyard planted in 1979 on a rocky quartz soil, the winemaking involved 1) crushing before fermentation leading to a particularly high level of extraction – subsequent vintages would see a switch to whole berry maceration and 2) the first time spontaneous fermentation used for a red wine in this cellar. Maturation, meanwhile, lasted 24 months in 100% new oak.

The wine is in superb condition. The nose shows plenty of cherry and cassis plus hints of crushed herbs, olive, cigar box, tilled earth and undergrowth. The palate is deep and serious – full of flavour and impeccably balanced. A lovely core of fruit, a great line of acidity and fine tannins. Does it get extra points for being so wonderfully intact 21 years on from vintage? Most definitely so. Price: R728 a bottle.

Editor’s rating: 97/100.

Find our South African wine ratings database here.

Comments

2 comment(s)

Please read our Comments Policy here.

    Hennie Taljaard | 8 October 2018

    A modern era GS perhaps?

    Francois | 8 October 2018

    As and old Robertson boy and now in Stellenbosch making wine in a very, very good Cab area for the last 20 years I must say it is one of the best SA wines I have tried and by far the best from that area. Well spotted. Hope there will be more.

Leave a Reply to Francois Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Like our content?

Show your support.


Subscribe