Haute Cabrière’s elegant second-generation legacy range, The Haute Collection delights with a new release – the 2021 vintage – this month. The collection has been masterminded by Takaun von Arnim, showcasing the skill, creativity and pioneering spirit of Haute Cabrière’s founding family. Each vintage is released in very limited quantities, with as few as 480 bottles available. The range is therefore the least known and publicised of Haute Cabrière’s wine ranges, making it a unique find for dedicated Chardonnay and Pinot Noir fans. It’s also been a long-awaited release for those who got to experience the sold-out 2020 vintage.
The 2021 vintage
The 2021 vintage celebrates the classic Burgundian varietals for which Haute Cabrière is known, crafted from carefully selected vineyard blocks. Haute Cabrière is known for its focus on Franschhoek’s phenomenal terroir, the character of their Certified Old Chardonnay Vines planted in 1983, and the unique qualities of aging premium wines in traditional clay Amphorae.
Minimal intervention
Furthermore, the Haute Collection wines are known for the minimal intervention practices that are followed, allowing the nature of the grape to shine. The Amphorae are handmade in Italy and unlike oak, they do not impart any flavour of their own during the fermentation and aging process. In the end, this allows for a pure expression of the natural flavours of the fruit and the micro-climates within the chosen vineyard blocks within the wines.
This collection is unexpected in style. Each wine is well-rounded, velvety soft and sultry on the palate. It stands out amongst peers as an elegant interpretation of premium wines with gently considered oaking. It showcases terroir, vintage and skill beautifully.
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Choices from The Haute Collection
The 2021 Haute Collection includes a Chardonnay, Amphora Semillon, Amphora Chardonnay and a Pinot Noir.
The Haute Collection Chardonnay 2021 (R300 per bottle / R2160 per case of six) comes from a block of Certified Old Vines planted in 1983! Clay Amphorae were used in addition to 1st and 2nd fill French oak barrels, which gives it its balanced depth and elegance. The wine comes with complex, subtle oak characteristics, with notes of citrus, followed by subtle notes of honey and butterscotch.
Then, the Haute Collection Amphora Semillon 2021(R450 per bottle / R2700 per case of six) comes from a single-block of some of Franschhoek’s oldest Semillon vines, planted in the 1990s. The Amphora Semillon was fermented and matured in 450-litre clay Amphorae. This wine has good aging potential, with a textured mid-palate and well-balanced acidity.
Thirdly, the Haute Collection Amphora Chardonnay 2021 (R500 per bottle / R3000 per case of six) hails from a single-block of Certified Old Vine Chardonnay, which was planted in 1983. The wine was matured and fermented in 450-litre clay Amphorae for twelve months. The result: a wine that showcases tropical fruit flavours with nuanced lime and citrus, supported by great palate weight and firm acidity.
And last but definitely not least, the Haute Collection Pinot Noir 2021 (R440 per bottle / R2640 per case of six) comes from a small, triangular vineyard block.
Ranging in price from R360 to R500 per bottle, the Haute Collection 2021 vintage is only available from Haute Cabrière’s Tasting Room and select restaurants. If you’re keen on sampling this unique and special range, you can visit Haute Cabrière’s Vinoteque.
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