2022 Franschhoek Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting Notes
The oak influence is clear but doesn't dominate the wine. Cedar and sandalwood, ripe blackcurrant and black cherry, oregano and wild thyme, and the smoky jalapeño note that I usually associate with South African Cabernet. Sandpapery tannins. The wine is elegant and balanced but also very tightly coiled at the moment. This isn't ready now but will be lovely 2–3 years from now and for several years after that. (JRL)
Critic Scores
Average Score
Neal Martin, Vinous
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Franschhoek is vinified in exactly the same way as its Stellenbosch counterpart, with a proportion of Cabernet Franc (14%) and just a little more oak. This has more black and blue fruit and is perhaps more floral in style, almost as if there were a soupçon of Syrah in the blend (there isn't). The palate is medium-bodied with dark red berry fruit interlaced with cocoa, dark chocolate and light tobacco notes of fine length. It will need, say, six months in bottle once released in 2025.
Ripe blue and black fruit on the nose, alongside dried herb, licorice and mint chocolate. Creamy and velvety, with a full body, but also minty freshness throughout. Silky tannins. Drink or hold.
The only red in the Boekenhoutskloof portfolio that uses grapes from Franschhoek - the farm and a second site that also supplies the winery's Semillon - this is always a comparatively forward, ripe, caressing style of Cabernet Sauvignon, blended with 14% Cabernet Franc for extra perfume. Paprika, cassis and green pepper flavours are framed by 95% new French oak. 2025-32.