The Producer
Opstal Estate has been in the same family since 1847, when JC Rossouw first cultivated this land in the Slanghoek Valley. Seven generations later, winemaker Attie Louw is the one in the cellar — a direct descendant of that founding family, working alongside his father Stanley and brother Zak. The modern chapter of Opstal winemaking began in 1950, when Carl Everson — Stanley’s grandfather — chose to make and bottle his own wine rather than send his grapes to the local cooperative. That decision set the estate on its own path. Attie has spent the years since pushing it further, earning multiple Platter 5-star ratings for the estate’s Chenin Blancs and building a reputation that extends well beyond the Slanghoek Valley.
Vintage & Terroir
The 2024 vintage was grown at the head of the Slanghoek Valley in the Breedekloof Wine District, cradled between the Slanghoek Mountains to the west and the Badsberg Mountains to the east. The Cabernet Sauvignon comes from rich clay soils on Opstal’s eastern slopes — the ideal home for this variety on the farm. The Cinsault, planted in 1997, thrives on sandier ground on the western slopes where it expresses a natural aromatic lift and softer tannin character. One hundred hectares of vines across soils that change completely within metres. Annual rainfall of 1,350mm, mountain breezes and a slow Mediterranean growing season give the fruit a freshness and balance that are harder to achieve in warmer Cape wine regions.
In the Cellar
The 2024 blend is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Cinsault, with 55% of the Cinsault component going through as whole bunches — contributing aromatic complexity and a supple, fine-grained texture. The remainder is destemmed. Fermentation is traditional with natural yeast activity encouraged. Malolactic fermentation is completed in full across both varieties. The wine is blended and bottled early to preserve freshness. No unnecessary oak. No over-extraction. Winemaker Attie Louw’s guiding principle is drinkability above all else, and this wine delivers on that without compromise.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Clear ruby-red with a vibrant, youthful rim.
Nose: Red and dark cherry with fresh herb notes in the background — vivid, uncomplicated and immediately appealing.
Palate: Light to medium-bodied with a juicy, fruit-forward character. Soft tannins, lively acidity and a racy aromatic freshness that makes it food-friendly from the first pour.
Finish: Clean, fresh and moderately long with a pleasant herbal lift.
Food Pairing
A natural braai red — works beautifully alongside boerie rolls, grilled chicken or lamb chops. Also excellent with pizza, spaghetti bolognaise or a loaded nachos platter. The soft tannins and fresh acidity make it a highly versatile table wine for casual dining. Serve at 16 °C for maximum pleasure.
Technical Details
| Vintage | 2024 |
| Region | Slanghoek, Breedekloof |
| Grape(s) | 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cinsault |
| Alcohol | 13.95% |
| Closure | Screwcap |
| Cellaring | Best enjoyed now–2027 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Case Size | 6 bottles |
Our Guarantee
Every bottle from the Opstal estate range is backed by our 100% Happiness Assured! Guarantee. If you’re not completely satisfied, we’ll make it right — no questions, no fuss. Just good wine from good people.
