A delightfully nimble expression of the cultivar. The vanguard leads with an expressive array of red cherry, violets, blackcurrant and deeper blueberry; all gilded by a graphite frame. The sweeter notes are countered by savoury elements of roasted red plum tomato and fresh thyme. The palate carries an evolution of its own; opening with cherry fruit and strawberries, followed by a rising raspberry tartness, and touches of sweeter toffee apple candy. On pouring, it brims with tension, unfurling with time in the glass.

This trellised Bottelary vineyard was planted with the CF1 Cabernet Franc clone in 2004. This site is 16.5 km north of False Bay and 22.5 km east of Table Bay, so the ocean effects are considerable; an influence that you pick up quite clearly in the wine. The combination of the vineyard’s cooler east-facing aspect, decomposed granite soils, and 225m altitude, enables this low-yielding vineyard to produce smaller bunches, with incredible concentration and structure.

ANALYSIS: ALC 13% | TA 5.5 g/l | RS 1.1 g/l | pH 3.6