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 Kevin Arnold, having completed his schooling at St Andrews, Bloemfontein, went on to do the Diploma in Cellar Technology at Elsenburg Agricultural College - Stellenbosch.
He spent time as a guest student at Geisenheim Wine School in Germany and also did practical work at Mondavi Winery in the Napa Valley, California. Further study tours were taken in Portugal, France, Italy and Chile.
During 1978 and 1979 Kevin worked as a cellar hand at Stellenbosch Farmers Winery. The following 9 years (1979-1987) were spent as winemaker at Delheim Wines, Stellenbosch. In 1987 he moved to Rust en Vrede Estate where he became winemaker/manager and spent ten years there establishing the Rust en Vrede Estate brand both nationally and internationally. In 1997 Kevin left Rust en Vrede Estate and started up the Waterford Estate from scratch with Jeremy Ord.
| Auction Wines |
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| Waterford Auction Reserve 2003 |
In search of the best expression of the Waterford Estate vineyards - Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvèdre, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec were used in this assemblage. Aged in new and used 225 litre French oak barriques for 14 months. Egg white fined and bottled especially for the CWG Auction. 100 cases of this wine were sold at the 2004 Auction. Tasting Note: Beautiful, deep ruby colour. Aromas of ripe plums combined with nuances of tobacco and white pepper. Layered flavours of liquorice and dry lavender, followed by lovely lengthy dry tannins. Refined length on finish.
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| Auction Year: 2005 |
| Waterford Auction Reserve 2003 |
40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Shiraz, 12% Mourvèdre, 10% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec In search of the best expression of the Waterford estate vineyards - cabernet sauvignon (40%), shiraz (28%), Mourvèdre (12%), merlot (10%), cabernet franc (6%), petit Verdot (2%) and Malbec (2%) were used in this assemblage. Aged in new and used 225 litre French oak barriques for 14 months. Egg white fined and bottled for the 2004 cape winemakers guild auction. Tasting note: Beautiful deep ruby colour. Aromas of ripe plums combined with nuances of tobacco and white pepper. Layered flavours of liquorice and dry lavender, followed by lovely lengthy dry tannins. Refined length on finish. |
| Auction Year: 2004 |
| Waterford Auction Reserve 2004 |
This is a classic “Bordeaux Blend” from Waterford Estate. The wine was blended before spending 19 months in a combination of new and 2nd fill French oak barrels. Bottling took place on 16 June 2006.
Tasting Notes
Black Cherry with black berry fruit, intertwined with hints of cassis and fine vanillas from the French oak barrels. The layered tannin structure is refined to give elegance to the long rewarding finish on the palate. This wine should reach its optimum maturity between 2009-2014.
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| Auction Year: 2007 |
| Waterford Estate 2005 Auction Reserve BB |
Cabernet Sauvignon 80%, Merlot 10%, Malbec 10%
Individual vineyard blocks were fermented separately. This blend was made in winter 2005 and allowed to age as a unit for 23 months in tight grained French oak barrels. After a single egg white fining prior to bottling, the wine has been allowed to age another 4 years in bottle.
70 cases of this wine were sold at the 2009 Auction.
Tasting note: This wine shows the classical Helderberg character of Cabernet Sauvignon with distinctive earthy tones that are laced with hints of graphite and violets. The distinctly dry tannins that are polished make for a long finish on the palate. Drink 2015 - 2020.
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| Auction Year: 2011 |
| Waterford Estate 2009 Auction Reserve BB |
Selected vineyard parcels were fermented in 2 000 litre stainless steel tanks. The blend was made post malolactic fermentation and aged for 26 months in MT French oak barrels, with a single egg white fining prior to bottling.
Tasting Notes: The very distinctive Helderberg/Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon character is
enhanced by the purity of the Merlot fruit from this exceptional vintage. The mouthfeel and texture of the wine, with a classically dry finish, are the hallmarks of this blend. Enjoy with roast leg of lamb done with fresh rosemary, anchovies and garlic with oven baked potatoes and fresh veggies. |
| Auction Year: 2012 |
| Waterford Estate 2009 Auction Reserve BB |
Cabernet Sauvignon 75%, Merlot 25%
Separate lot fermentations with blending taking place post malolactic fermentation. The blend was aged in tight grained French 225 litre barrels for 26 months, 40% first fill. A single egg white fining took place prior to bottling.
Tasting note: The very distinctive Helderberg Cabernet Sauvignon character is enhanced by the purity of the fruit from this exceptional vintage. The mouth-feel and texture are indicative of a full, rich vintage that has a classically dry finish. Drink 2018 - 2025.
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| Auction Year: 2011 |
| Waterford Estate Auction Reserve 2004 |
Shiraz 50%, Mourvedre 35%, Petit Verdot 10%, Barbera 5%
The separate varieties were whole berry fermented on their own for 4 - 8 days on the skins, with gentle pump overs three times a day. The blend was made up after malolactic fermentation before the wine went into barrel. Barrel ageing took place in new, 2nd and 3rd fill barrels to achieve a more subtle tannin integration.
Tasting note:
Dense aroma of black fruit with hints of mocca and truffles. Rich flavour profile with soft juicy tannins that are well integrated to give an elegant long finish.
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| Auction Year: 2008 |
| Waterford Estate Auction Reserve 2005 |
Winemaking Notes
This Bordeaux-style wine was aged for 23 months in tight grained French barrels with medium toasting. Egg white fining and filtration took place prior to bottling
Tasting Notes
Dense crimson appearance, aromas of sandalwood, cedar and cigar box. The palate is tight and classically dry, balanced by natural acidity. Flavours of stone fruit and secondary development complement the dominant Cabernet Sauvignon notes of herb, leather and ripe cassis. Elegant, long finish with dry integrated structure, meant for extended ageing and further development.
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| Auction Year: 2009 |
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