Description
Produced in a vintage that Luke O’Cuinneagain describes as “spectacular”, this is a nuanced., well-balanced Cabernet Franc that wouldn’t look out of place in the Loire Valley. Subtle, leafy and floral with adroitly handled 25% new wood and a long, refreshing finish. 2020-25 92/100 Tim Atkin MW
The wine displays a deep rich bright colour. The nose entices with its garrigue character of dried thyme, oregano and Cape Fynbos, with black cherry and pencil lead in the background. The palate is dominated by aromas of dark cherries, blueberries and graphite, which gives it great interest. The tannins are silky and the finish is long and smooth.
Weather Conditions – Simonsberg, Stellenbosch
- Winter was late, but cold enough to break dormancy
- Very low rainfall hence extremely low soil moisture levels which meant irrigation was key to relieving stress in the vineyard
- Good spring which lead to good even bud burst
- Warm weather for the season with little to no rain
- This led to smaller berries and lower bunch mass although there were more bunches
- The harvest was very earlier
- The harvest was larger than previous year
Winemaking
The grapes were lightly crushed into stainless steel tanks. The fermentation was done by natural yeast with a mixture of rack and returns and open pump overs. Post fermentation skin contact for 2-3 weeks and pressed gently. Malolactic fermentation occurred in French oak barrels. Racked on average every 4 months. Matured during 12 months in oak.
100% Cabernet Franc
Analysis
Alcohol: 14% Vol.
Total Acidity: 5,8 g/L
PH: 3,48
Residual Sugar: 1.5 g/L
