VINTAGE 2020

Looking back at the 2020 vintage, it must be the most controversial vintage ever in the Cape Winelands given the COVID-19 pandemic impacting the whole world radically and especially the South African wine industry which was put in a very unique position by our government.  On Normandie Est. 1693, we harvested our last Cabernet Sauvignon one day before the national lockdown came to effect.  Fortunately and thankfully winemaking activities were allowed and we could continue to make our wine and complete our 12th great vintage.

We had a particularly good onset of the vintage following slightly more rainfall during the 2019 winter, with good, even budding.  High numbers of inflorescence showed promise of a good crop from early on.  As a result, we could choose the perfect, most even bunches once again throughout the season with our various bunch selection actions. 

We experienced very windy conditions throughout the season until harvest began, which resulted in the need for more intense berry sorting in the vineyard and cellar to reach our high, uncompromised standard of grape quality.

The 2020 wines show great intensity of flavour, colour and intensity and promise to be well balanced and full on the palate.