Introduction:
The 2021 Knorhoek Cabernet Sauvignon from Stellenbosch is a classically styled South African Cabernet that balances ripe New World fruit with Old World structure and restraint. Crafted from estate and select Stellenbosch vineyards, it delivers dark-fruited depth, savory complexity, and firm yet polished tannins, making it equally suitable for the table now or short- to mid-term cellaring.

Terrior:
Knorhoek’s vineyards lie on the lower slopes of the Simonsberg in Stellenbosch, where decomposed granite and sandstone soils provide excellent drainage and a mineral backbone. The Mediterranean climate—warm days tempered by cooling maritime breezes from False Bay—supports full phenolic ripeness while preserving acidity. These conditions favor Cabernet Sauvignon with concentration, freshness, and a distinctly savory profile.

Appearance:
Deep ruby with a garnet edge and excellent clarity. The wine shows youthful density with slow-forming legs, indicating structure and extract without excess heaviness.

Nose:
Expressive and layered, offering blackcurrant, blackberry, and dark cherry alongside classic Cabernet notes of cedar, graphite, and dried herbs. Subtle accents of cocoa, tobacco leaf, and bay emerge with aeration.

Palate:
Medium- to full-bodied with a firm, linear structure. Cassis and black cherry lead, supported by savory herbal tones, pencil shavings, and restrained oak spice. Tannins are fine-grained and present, balanced by fresh acidity that keeps the wine focused and food-friendly.

Finish:
Dry, persistent, and savory, with lingering dark fruit, cedar, and a mineral edge. The finish tightens gracefully, suggesting good aging potential.

Food Pairings:

• Meat: Grilled sirloin; rosemary-crusted lamb; beef bobotie

• Vegetarian: Mushroom and lentil stew; grilled portobello with herbs; roasted eggplant with tomato and thyme

• Charcuterie Board: Aged cheddar; Gouda; bresaola; olives

Overall Impression:
Bringing together Stellenbosch’s granite-driven terroir, deep ruby appearance, classic cassis-and-cedar aromatics, structured and savory palate, and a long, mineral finish, the 2021 Knorhoek Cabernet Sauvignon is a balanced, traditional expression of the variety. Best paired with grilled or roasted meats, it offers immediate enjoyment with the capacity to evolve gracefully over time.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 14%
Farming Practices: Sustainable viticulture; estate and carefully selected vineyard sourcing
Producer Name: Knorhoek Estate
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: South Africa
Region: Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Grape Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2021
Wine Style: Still red; medium- to full-bodied; structured; savory
Winemaking Techniques: Traditional fermentation; extended maceration; maturation in French oak barrels
Pack Size: 750 mL
Container Style: Bordeaux-style bottle
Closure Style: Natural cork

Sources:

• Knorhoek Estate producer and technical information
• Stellenbosch viticultural and regional references

Press:
97 points, 2025 World Wine Awards, Decanter:
"This is an opaque dark black-red, with perfectly calibrated oak-aged fruit that conveys an urbane and well-mannered refinement typical of Bordeaux back in France but rare outside it. The fruit qualities are ripe but not overly so, with ample inner freshness; it’s a balanced, digestible wine which cries out for fine cooking and polished glassware. Technically speaking, there’s enough ripe acidity and deft tannin to carry the fruit with poise and ease yet save it from simplicity, and credit to its creators for getting the wine to this state of approachable maturity in just four short years." 

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 14.34%
Farming Practices: Sustainable vineyard work; ripeness balanced with freshness
Producer Name: Knorhoek
Old World / New World: New World
Country of Origin: South Africa
Region: Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Grape Varietals: 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc
Vintage: 2021
Wine Style: Dry red; dark fruit driven with herbal and mineral complexity
Winemaking Techniques: Extended maceration; oak aging in French barrels (mix of new & used); integration of oak and fruit
Pack Size: 750 mL
Container Style: Glass Bordeaux bottle
Closure Style: Cork
*winery notes