2018 Boekenhoutskloof Cabernet Sauvignon Franschhoek

Tasted alongside the Stellenbosch Cabernet, this shows a darker, warmer, more generous fruit profile. This vintage features an increased proportion of grapes from organic estate vineyards – including all of the 11% Cabernet Franc in the blend – as well as neighbouring fruit. Forward aromas of bramble and vanilla spice continue on the dense palate, which is lifted by brisk acidity and menthol freshness. Matured for 22 months (down from 27 months) in lightly toasted barriques, 80% new (down from 100%).

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Franschhoek, matured for 22 months in 80% new French barriques, has a fresh, marine-influenced bouquet that I feel has a little more complexity than the Stellenbosch. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, lightly spiced with black pepper and bay leaf, and very focused, leading to a bright and quite structured finish. This has more class and nuance than its Stellenbosch counterpart.

Opening to a juicy and expressive nose, the 2018 Franschhoek Cabernet Sauvignon has 11% Cabernet Franc blended into the mix and offers aromas of redcurrant and cassis, dusty blackberry and cherry skin, subtle tones of baked clay, river rock and sweet oak spice. Medium to full-bodied, the wine has a pleasurable palate with flavors of dark plum and cherry before a growing tannic edge expresses on the mid-palate. With a long, lingering and juicy conclusion, lasting expressions of bitter black tea, juicy tobacco and dried leather sway with dusty red fruit tones. The grapes were destemmed and underwent spontaneous fermentation in concrete vats before spending 22 months in French oak barrels.

Pure and focused, with a beam of ripe black cherry and currant fruit that shows savory highlights of brambly wild herb, graphite and smoke. Full-bodied, fresh and expressive, this is tightly meshed and firmed by fine, chalky tannins. Best from 2023 through 2030.