Five years after opening to the public, Cavalli Estate in the Stellenbosch winelands has evolved into a versatile lifestyle destination deftly combining food, wine and art. ‘Cavalli’ may be the Italian word for ‘horses’, but this stylish winelands estate offers so much more than the world-class equestrian facilities that grace the long driveway leading into the 100-hectare estate.
Barnard has headed up the winemaking at Cavalli Estate since 2014, establishing the estate as one of the most dynamic young producers in the acclaimed ‘Golden Triangle’ of the Stellenbosch winelands. With his fifth harvest safely in the cellar, Barnard’s focus is firmly on Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Across the portfolio, a common thread of fruit-primacy, minerality and freshness are hallmarks of Barnard’s winemaking style: “I like to pick with good acidity, to give the wine a bit of backbone, and I’m very selective with our oaking regime. I want the quality of the fruit to shine through, so that the oak simply complements the character and quality of the fruit.” The quality of the current releases is made all the more impressive by the fact that these wines are largely crafted from young vines, many only seven years old.
The ‘Colt’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 is a lightly styled Cabernet Sauvignon, well-balanced and seductively silky smooth. 👃🏻 Pencil Shavings and forest fruit jelly. 👅 Mulberry, red currant, liquorice and cigar box with medium-long vanilla and forest fruit Jelly finish. 💡 I highly recommend decanting this wine for 60min+ on first opening there were odd notes of tart cherries which completely vanishes as the wine opens up beautifully. Pair this wine with red meat dishes such as a juicy steak 🥩 Price: R150
