2021 - Cabernet Sauvignon, Boekenhoutskloof, Franschhoek

The 2021 Franschhoek Cabernet Sauvignon also contains 12% Cabernet Franc and has firm eucalyptus notes alongside red cherry and plum skin, accentuated by spicy and herbal undertones, with a touch of cassis and wild brush. This full-bodied wine offers an herbal, spicy and mineral-driven experience supported by dusty tannins. The wine aged for 22 months, predominantly in new French oak barrels, and it's recommended to allow it more time to mature after release, allowing its flavors to evolve and integrate further. Nicely done. Exactly 15,828 bottles were produced.

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Franschhoek, blended with 12% Cabernet Franc, is naturally fermented and aged over 22 months, 95% in French barriques. It has a more fruit-forward bouquet than its Stellenbosch counterpart: brambly red fruit, blood orange, hints of marmalade and tobacco. Quite exuberant with touches of menthol developing. The medium-bodied palate has succulent tannins, juicy and generous with black pepper-infused black fruit. Oddly, this is quite Syrah-like in style, a "fun" Cabernet, leaving the seriousness to the Stellenbosch Cabernet.

Full bottle 1,352 g. From two home farm vineyards planted adjacent to one another rooted in deep alluvial soils in the valley. Slopes of decomposed granitic soils. Includes a small amount of Cabernet Franc. Organically farmed for the past 13 years. This particular vintage will be remembered for its small berries and notably diminished yields. Grapes were picked by hand then destemmed. The grapes underwent a cold maceration in tulip-shaped concrete vessels, and fermentation took place at temperatures of 27–30 °C, with frequent pumpovers to extract aromas, colour and tannins. After spontaneous alcoholic fermentation, a prolonged malolactic conversion occurred naturally in 225-litre barriques. The wine was matured on their OXOline system (where the barrels can be rotated for 22 months in 95% new light-toast, long-seasoned French oak from Sylvain and Saury. Deep crimson. Vibrant and deep aroma of blackcurrant and blackcurrant bud, the latter adding a delicate leafy freshness. Rich, powerful and obviously oaky on the palate but the depth of fruit can take it. Firm, smooth tannic texture, really smooth for such a young wine. Excellent fruit purity even if the chocolate-like notes of the oak are present on the finish. Surprisingly approachable now (though better with another year or two in the bottle) but should have a long life ahead. (JH)