La Motte Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 is a Helderberg red that leans into the classic South African expression of the variety, where ripe dark fruit, mint-edged freshness, and a mineral thread all play a central role. Helderberg is one of Stellenbosch’s most respected Cabernet zones, and this wine shows why, combining varietal clarity with a more measured, structured style that feels grounded rather than flashy. It is a Cabernet made for drinkers who appreciate both fruit and restraint.
On the nose and palate, berry and plum fruit sit alongside clove, mint, and cigar box notes, giving the wine a profile that feels unmistakably Cabernet. The barrel maturation is well judged, adding shape and depth without overwhelming the fruit, while the tannins are firm but accessible, lending the wine a full-bodied feel and a lingering finish. There is richness here, but the wine keeps its line and freshness, making it especially good with grilled steak, roast lamb, beef stew, or mature hard cheeses where its savory detail and structure can settle naturally into the meal.
On the nose and palate, berry and plum fruit sit alongside clove, mint, and cigar box notes, giving the wine a profile that feels unmistakably Cabernet. The barrel maturation is well judged, adding shape and depth without overwhelming the fruit, while the tannins are firm but accessible, lending the wine a full-bodied feel and a lingering finish. There is richness here, but the wine keeps its line and freshness, making it especially good with grilled steak, roast lamb, beef stew, or mature hard cheeses where its savory detail and structure can settle naturally into the meal.
The grapes were harvested at optimum ripeness, destemmed, and fermented in stainless steel tanks with pump-overs twice daily to manage extraction and build structure. After three weeks, the wine was pressed and transferred to barrel, where it matured for 16 months in 300-liter French oak barrels, 33% of which were new. The individual Cabernet Sauvignon lots were then blended, filtered, and bottled in January 2024.
Winemaker: Edmund Terblanche
Winemaker: Edmund Terblanche
Situated in the beautiful Franschhoek Valley in South Africa’s Cape winelands, La Motte is home to the finest wines, recognized internationally for exceptional quality. With its picturesque setting, traditional cuisine and historic charm, La Motte is an enchanting choice for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
La Motte was acquired in 1970 by the late Dr. Anton Rupert, an internationally respected industrialist who established a global business empire and was held in high regard as a committed conservationist. Dr. Rupert and his art-devoted wife, Hubert, also played an immense role in the preservation of art. As much as there has been a dedication to producing top quality wine at La Motte since its acquisition by Dr. Rupert in 1970, the estate has also shown a distinct responsibility towards uplifting and empowering its people.
Environmental management is a high priority at La Motte and is factored into the long-term strategy as well as daily running of the estate. Examples of environmental care include the protection of precious natural flora known as ‘fynbos’ on the adjoining Wemmershoek mountains and adherence to biologic principles in the production of grapes, flowers and ethereal oils. La Motte was one of the first wine estates to be awarded the coveted ISO 14001 Environmental Management Certification.
La Motte was acquired in 1970 by the late Dr. Anton Rupert, an internationally respected industrialist who established a global business empire and was held in high regard as a committed conservationist. Dr. Rupert and his art-devoted wife, Hubert, also played an immense role in the preservation of art. As much as there has been a dedication to producing top quality wine at La Motte since its acquisition by Dr. Rupert in 1970, the estate has also shown a distinct responsibility towards uplifting and empowering its people.
Environmental management is a high priority at La Motte and is factored into the long-term strategy as well as daily running of the estate. Examples of environmental care include the protection of precious natural flora known as ‘fynbos’ on the adjoining Wemmershoek mountains and adherence to biologic principles in the production of grapes, flowers and ethereal oils. La Motte was one of the first wine estates to be awarded the coveted ISO 14001 Environmental Management Certification.
