Warwick Estate's The First Lady Cabernet Sauvignon is a premium wine that represents the true essence of South Africa's famous winemaking region, Stellenbosch. Deep purple in color, this wine is a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Aromas of blackcurrant, cedarwood, and vanilla give way to a palate of ripe black fruit, dark chocolate, and spicy oak. The tannins are firm and well-structured, with a long, smooth finish that makes this wine an ideal pairing with red meats, game, or strong cheeses. Aged in French oak barrels for 18 months, The First Lady Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent expression of Warwick Estate's commitment to producing world-class wines.

Tasting Notes

Deep dark fruits dominate with blackberry compote and black plum complimented with spicy aromatics of clove and cinnamon and a lovely hint of dried herb. A magnificent companionship of bitter and sweet, dark chilli chocolate.

About the Winery

In 1771, the Warwick Estate was established in the great wine region of Stellenbosch in South Africa. However, the estate came to be known internationally for its winemaking potential only during 1964. During this time Stan and Norma Radcliffe purchased the estate and started planting international and Bordeaux-style of vines here, such as, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Over the next years, Norma Radcliffe shot up to prominence in the winemaking scene in South Africa. She was recognised as one of the most talented female winemakers in the Cape Town region. Even today, the estate releases a range of wines in her honour, known as the First Lady Range. Planting of vines was done in 1984 and the grapes are currently grown in two vineyards, such as the following:

Warwick Estate

The vines are planted here at altitudes ranging from 220m to 340m above sea level. They are known for their Oakleaf and Tukulu soil types. The climatic conditions, soil qualities and the natural location of this place make it ideal for growing varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinotage and Chardonnay. These vineyards comprise an area of 40 hectares.

Uitkyk Estate

Located on 80 hectares, this wine estate has vines planted at altitudes ranging from 200m to 380m above sea level. With its unique Oakleaf soil quality, this estate is blessed with naturally-rich conditions to favour varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Pinotage.

These vineyards are planted on the Simonsberg Mountain Range slopes, which gives the vines good exposure to cool breezes during spring and summer. Many plots have been identified here with unique soil types, that make it ideal for growing different varietals within the same territory. The vineyards located towards the south and southwestern slopes of the Simonsberg Mountains produce some of South Africa’s best Cabernet Franc grapes.

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