2020 Franschhoek Cabernet Sauvignon

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)

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.