The Producer
The Annandale Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 comes from one of the Cape’s most historic addresses — a title deed granted in 1688 by Governor Simon van der Stel, making Annandale the oldest estate in the Helderberg Valley. At the helm since 1996 is Hempies du Toit: 5th-generation winemaker, former Springbok tighthead prop (cap #516), and one of South Africa’s most decorated red wine specialists. His approach is uncompromising: natural fermentation, traditional methods, and the patience to let great wine develop on its own terms.
Vintage & Terroir
Annandale occupies the Golden Triangle along the south-facing foothills of the Helderberg Mountains, between 100m and 170m above sea level. Cooling maritime breezes off False Bay slow ripening and concentrate flavour — the foundation of structured, cellar-worthy Cabernet. The vineyards are planted in decomposed granite over a clay substructure, retaining moisture through Stellenbosch’s dry summers. The 2021 vintage delivered the slow, even ripening this site is built for.
In the Cellar
No added yeasts. No enzymes. No additives. Hempies uses only ambient cellar yeasts and the fruit itself. The 2021 was coarsely destemmed to encourage whole-berry fermentation, followed by 48 hours of cold maceration for structure without harshness. Malolactic fermentation completed in stainless steel, then 24 months in 25% new 300L French oak barrels. Patience is the method — and the wine shows it.
Tasting Notes
Deep ruby red, warm and inviting. The nose opens with cranberry, dark chocolate and violets, then shifts to brooding dark fruit with subtle florals. On the palate: dense and concentrated, with velvety tannins, cedar, cigar box, and vanilla leading to a long, graceful finish. Still youthful, with all the structure for years of development ahead. More impressive than the 2020.
Rated 91/100 — Platter’s Wine Guide, 2026 (wineonaplatter.com). Tasted by Meryl Weaver.
Food Pairing
This Cabernet holds its own against slow-roasted oxtail, a Boland-style tomahawk steak, or Karoo lamb chops off the braai. For something quieter, aged Cape cheddar with a dark charcuterie board. Order your case — and keep the Tribe well fed.
