Hermanuspietersfontein “The Arnoldus”, 2017

… European elegance from the cool climate of the monopoly appellation “Sondagskloof”

Nestled amidst the mountains, approximately 50 km from South Africa's southernmost point, Cape Agulhas, not far from Hermanus, in the Walker Bay region, is this exceptional wine farm. Surrounded by characteristic fynbos and protea fields – the original vegetation of the Cape region – Hermanuspietersfontein produces Bordeaux and Rhône grape varieties par excellence in a magnificent "cool climate" terroir. Hermanuspietersfontein is the only active winery with 60 hectares of vineyards in the porous claystone "Sondagskloof" appellation. In this monopoly location, the internationally highly experienced winemakerWilhelm Pienaar and his young,
passionate team(with an average yield of 34 hl/ha!!!) Wines with pronounced minerality, complexity, and elegance in a European style are created. French barriques and German single-barrel barrels are part of his tools when it comes to blending the grape varieties in the Hermanus winery. His Bordeaux interpretations, "Kleinboet" and "Arnoldus," from the Sondagskloof terroir, are among the finest South Africa has to offer. "Swartskaap"—a "masterpiece" vinified from pure Cabernet Franc, belongs to the absolute world class of single-varietal Cabernet Francs.