2020 - Cabernet Sauvignon, Boekenhoutskloof, Franschhoek

The 2020 Franschhoek Cabernet Sauvignon, predominantly composed of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Cabernet Franc, delivers a profile characterized by succulent red fruit, underscored by oaky nuances and hints of cereal grains, along with notes of plum skin and cherry. This full-bodied wine offers a balanced palate, showcasing layers of complexity and ripe flavors. It is supported by well-balanced tannins and energetic acidity that is just finding its stride as the wine comes to a refined mineral-laced finish. This promises to pair excellently with various foods, and it will continue to evolve gracefully over the years. It aged for 22 months, with 80% of the aging occurring in new French oak barrels. Exactly 14,391 bottles were produced.

The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Boekenhoutskloof Franschhoek contains a little more Cabernet Franc than its Stellenbosch counterpart (14%) and sees a touch more new oak (80%). Another difference is that nowadays most of the fruit comes from their own vines. This has a more appealing bouquet with a mixture of red and black fruit, cedar and a hint of leather, just showing more personality than the Stellenbosch. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, fresh and slightly minty with good grip and substance towards the finish. Give this two or three years in bottle.

Fruit from four neighbouring parcels on a south-westerly slope in the Franschhoek Valley, planted on poor soils which are predominately sandy loam over granitic bedrock. More of their estate fruit in here than in earlier vintages. 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Cabernet Franc. Hand-picked, destemmed. Fermented in traditional concrete vessels with frequent pumpovers and délestage. After alcoholic fermentation, a prolonged malolactic conversion occurred naturally. Matured in 80% new Sylvain and Saury light-toast, long-seasoned French oak barriques for 22 months. TA 5.2 g/l, pH 3.87, RS 2.8 g/l.Deep crimson, pure and fragrant. Firm, deep, pure cassis Cabernet: intensity allied to freshness. Refined. There's a hint of chocolate but also a light leafy fragrance. Deep and chewy on the finish. Power without heaviness. Rich and long. Needs time for the tannins to slim down but the fruit is gorgeous in this big style. A suggestion of dark-chocolate at the very end. (JH)