Last Updated: Nov 18, 2024

At Cavalli, every wine tells the story of its unique growing conditions. Whether in the form of a crisp, fresh Chenin Blanc or a rich, complex Cabernet Sauvignon, each bottle reflects the patience, artistry, and care put into every step of the winemaking process. In this post, we explore how the conditions of the 2021 and 2024 vintages have shaped some of our finest wines.

The 2024 growing season was one of both challenge and reward. Early rainfall followed by a hot, dry spell from late September to mid-February led to faster ripening for early cultivars, with lighter yields and limited irrigation. These dry conditions, though demanding, contributed to exceptional grape quality. Cavalli’s winemaker, Rianie, notes, “Although the yields were smaller this year, the Chenin Blanc grapes came in with incredible flavour intensity and a vibrant freshness that really speaks to the terroir.”

To capture the full expression of these exceptional grapes, the 2024 Reserve Chenin Blanc was harvested at first light, with grapes picked in four separate batches to highlight the unique terroirs within the vineyard. The fruit was hand-harvested and whole-bunch pressed, with the juice left to settle for two days. Each batch underwent fermentation in a variety of barrel sizes (225L, 300L, and 500L), and after seven months on the lees, the wine developed layers of texture and complexity.

The result is a wine with vibrant acidity and flavors of citrus blossom, orange zest, and a crisp, refreshing finish—an ideal choice for celebratory moments. This Chenin Blanc is a true testament to the quality that patience, in both the vineyard and the cellar, can bring.

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The 2021 vintage of Cavalli’s Cabernet Sauvignon is a tribute to the elegance and finesse of Stellenbosch’s renowned Helderberg region. This cooler, coastal terroir imparts unique characteristics to the fruit, creating wines of remarkable complexity. The growing season allowed for a slow ripening process, ensuring that each berry reached its full potential.

Hand-picked at optimal ripeness, the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were sorted in the cool early hours to preserve their purity. As the winemaking team notes, “Our focus was on preserving the purity of the fruit and capturing the essence of the Helderberg’s terroir in every bottle.”

Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks, with daily pump-overs to enhance the vibrant fruit expression. After fermentation, the wine spent 24 months maturing in French oak barrels (30% of which were first-fill), building structure and complexity. The result is a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon that offers aromas of blackberry, cedar, and cigar box, with a richly textured palate and a plush, lingering finish. This wine is an excellent example of how careful craftsmanship and time in the barrel allow the unique terroir of the Helderberg to shine.

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The 2021 vintage of Cavalli’s Capriole MCC benefited from a cooler growing season, with ample winter rainfall followed by a moderate summer that encouraged slow, even ripening. These conditions produced grapes with exceptional acidity and balance, key for crafting high-quality sparkling wines.

Hand-picked Chardonnay grapes were whole-bunch pressed, with only 50% of the juice selected for fermentation. The initial fermentation took place in stainless steel, retaining fresh, crisp fruit flavors. After five months on lees, the wine underwent secondary fermentation in the bottle and was aged for a full 36 months, allowing the yeast contact to develop depth and complexity.

The result is a refined and elegant MCC with vibrant notes of green apple, white pear, and a hint of biscuit. The fine bubbles and crisp structure exemplify the slow ageing process that defines premium sparkling wines—perfect for toasting to life’s special moments.

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The Warlord 2021 is a robust, bold red blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Malbec, and 21% Petit Verdot, designed to showcase both power and finesse. This wine was crafted to reflect the strength of Cavalli’s terroir and the skill of our winemaking team.

Grapes were hand-picked and carefully sorted to ensure only the finest fruit made it into the final blend. The Cabernet Sauvignon fermented in stainless steel tanks with regular pump-overs to extract color and tannins, while the Malbec and Petit Verdot were fermented in open-top vessels, where manual punch-downs enhanced structure and depth. After fermentation, the wine spent 22 months ageing in French oak barriques, adding layers of complexity and a subtle oak influence.

The result is a wine with rich notes of plum, black forest cake, and cedar spice, all supported by a well-rounded mid-palate and finely integrated tannins. As Rianie puts it, “The Warlord 2021 is a wine of elegance and power, reflecting both the strength of our terroir and the dedication to quality in our winemaking.”

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Each of these wines—the Reserve Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Capriole MCC, and Warlord—embodies the legacy of patience, craftsmanship, and the unique conditions of their respective vintages. Whether it’s the vibrant freshness of the 2024 Chenin Blanc, the deep complexity of the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, or the refined elegance of the Capriole MCC, these wines are the result of careful stewardship of both land and time. It’s this dedication to quality that defines Cavalli and ensures that each bottle is a true reflection of its terroir. Explore our full range of wines 

Note: Availability and Pricing Disclaimer
Please note that the details, offers, and prices mentioned in this blog post may have changed since the last update. For the most current information, please visit our Cavalli Experiences page or contact us directly on info@cavalliestate.com