Description
Limited Edition
Rickety Bridge, The Bridge is a limited edition 2017 vintage, this is 1 of only 3,550 bottles produced, all uniquely numbered.
Viticulture
This wine is made from an exceptional single vineyard situated against the slopes of the Dassenberg Mountain in Franschhoek. Bush vines of Cabernet Sauvignon which are planted in deeply decomposed granite soil, called Glenrosa, on a steep (more than 35º) northerly facing slope. Spaced 60 x 80 cm, these vines yield no more than 1.2 tonnes/ha. A truly unique and exceptional terroir.
Harvest
From early February staff are employed in the vineyard block, armed with drums, slingshots and any other deterrent, to prevent our local baboon troop from eating the small concentrated bunches for breakfast. Unfortunately, some nightly visits by these unwanted visitors to savour some of the irresistible fruit are unavoidable. The grapes were harvested by hand on March 2012 at 25.2ºBalling and carefully brought into the cellar crate by crate.
Winemaking
After a short cold maceration period, natural fermentation took place in a small open fermentation tank at 28˚C. During fermentation, the grapes were gently punched down, by hand, 6 times a day. After 21 days on the skins, the wine was pressed gently by foot into the barrel. Malo-lactic fermentation took place in small French oak barrels and further maturation took place in 100% new French oak barrels for a total of 25 months.
Tasting Note
The nose is dominated by mint, dark cherry, eucalyptus, aromatic tobacco and hints of cloves. Cassis, red fruit and subtle chocolate are supported by the natural acidity giving the wine a linear elegant feel on the palate. Tremendous fullness, the massive suple structure which fills the entire mouth, voluptuous velvety tannins that make the tongue feel gracefully coated. Full-bodied yet refined. A long and enchanting finish leaves one wanting more.
Maturation Potential
Peak potential 10 years from vintage.
Food Pairing
Rich oxtail casserole.
Analysis:
Alc 14.28%
RS 2.3 g/l
TA 6.4 g/l
pH 3.52
Downloads (Tasting Notes)
The Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
The Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Accolades
- 4½ stars John Platter Wine Guide 2021 (2017 Vintage)
- 4½ stars John Platter Wine Guide 2020 (2017 Vintage)
- 91 Points – Tim Atkin Report 2020 (2017 Vintage)
- 90 Points – Christian Eedes 2019 (2016 Vintage)