Warwick First Lady Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Warwick The First Lady Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Awards/Evaluation

2018 VT:
Platter's 2021: 83 points
Wine Spectator 2021: 88 points
Robert Parker 2021: 86 points

Product Features

casual range. The 'First Lady' range is named in honor of Warwick's founder, Norma Ratcliffe, one of South Africa's first female winemakers. The idea is that the person who purchases this wine wants to gift it to their first lady, or to drink it with that special woman. Cabernet Sauvignon is also the first variety released at Warwick and one of the most important varieties for the company. This is one of South Africa's best-selling Cabernet Sauvignons and Warwick's most famous and sought-after.

Maker comment

Aromas of black fruits such as cassis, blackberry and black plum, dark chocolate, dried herbs, ink, cloves and sweet spices such as cinnamon. Soft and smooth acidity, pleasant fruit flavor, gentle and moderate body. The bitterness is delicate and soft. It has a good balance of astringency and sweetness of the fruit, and it has a smooth taste and is beautifully organized and very easy to drink. It can be said that it is an introductory wine of Cabernet Sauvignon. Warwick's most famous wine and one of South Africa's best-selling Cabernet Sauvignons. It is still enjoyable and should age for several years.

food pairing

Various meat dishes such as yakiniku, barbecue, spare ribs, hamburgers, and roasted vegetables.

Country of origin/production area

south africa stellenbosch

vintage

2018

*Depending on stock availability, the vintage of the wine to be shipped may differ from the description. If you are interested in vintage, please contact us before ordering.

type

red medium

Main varieties

cabernet sauvignon

Alcohol degree

13.72%

capacity

750ml

Producer information

Warwick is one of South Africa's leading boutique wineries in the Stellenbosch region. Dating back to 1771, the farm has a long history.
In 1964, former owners Stan and Norma Ratcliffe purchased Warwick, a former fruit farm. Viticulture started in 1981 with a focus on classic Bordeaux varieties (Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon).
Norma Ratcliffe's dedication to winemaking made her one of the first female Cape winemakers. Warwick's "First Lady" series is a tribute to her achievements.
The first release on the Warwick label was in 1984. Since then, it has won many awards both at home and abroad, and has grown into one of South Africa's leading brands and established its position.
The winery is located at an altitude of 240-360m in the hills of the Simmonsberg Mountains, called the Red Wine Zone of Stellenbosch. This high position allows cool southeasterly winds to blow the vineyards in spring and summer.
Warwick has a variety of slopes and different clay-rich soil types that produce unique terroirs and complex, characterful wines. The main soil types are granitic oak leaf and tukul. The vineyard has cool east facing, south east facing, south facing and slightly warmer west facing slopes. One of the top Cabernet Francs representing South Africa is produced here in Warwick, and its fields are on the south and southwest slopes.
One of the things we take care in growing is that irrigation is kept to a minimum to express the unique terroir of this farm.
Over the last ten years, we have also recognized the importance of biodiversity and strived to maintain a balance between nature and winemaking.
Our soils have a high clay content so the need for irrigation is very low and some fields require no irrigation at all.
Cover crops, such as legumes and radishes, planted in the winter months improve soil health, organic matter and microbial activity, and reduce the need for herbicides. As a result, many earthworms live in the soil.
And when it comes to pest control, we rely on natural predators. Everything is cultivated and managed with respect for biodiversity. As a result, the problem of snails, weevils and other harmful insects is cleared.
Warwick's philosophy is to never compromise on quality. We aim to perform at the highest level in all that we do. And the wine we aim for is elegance. It is a slightly modest classic style to express it.

overview

●Cap: Cork ●Cultivation: Harvest early in the morning when cool ●Manufacturing: Destemming, skin contact in stainless steel tank for 7-14 days. 3-4 pumpovers a day during that time. Malolactic fermentation after pressing. It is then aged for 18 months in various types of used barrels. Lightly filtered and bottled.
Aging potential: Vintage +3-5 years

#South African wine